Today, Friday and Sunday are your last chances to see the fabulous quilts and other art works by local legend Rumi O'Brien at the Ruth Davis Design Gallery in Nancy Nicholas Hall on the UW-Madison campus.
I've been to see it at least three times. Her work just draws you back again and again to study it, which is what I was doing when I took these casual snaps of her stitching details. But mostly I went back to bask in the charm of Rumi's images and in the stories embodied in every piece of her work.
This small quilted picture (I've cropped the edges) is a perfect image of life in Wisconsin in the early spring. It's called "Ice."
Rumi's quilting style is unique to each of her designs. The quilt lines contribute to the story as much as stabilizing the fabric.
She changes thread color and adds stitched details as well as appliqued motifs.
Perhaps the most wonderful part of this memorable exhibit is the ability to see the backside (detail below) of two of Rumi's huge quilts. They are as beautiful as the front side.
If you go, be sure to go across the hall from the gallery to the Lynn Mecklenburg Reading Room to look at the equally creative display of origami by Ruthanne Bessman.
And don't leave that room without opening the flat file drawers on the fall wall. They are filled with an amazing display of 18th century fashion fabrics and related items.
You can find more information about Rumi's work and the exhibit HERE.
MAP: How to get to the Ruth Davis Design Gallery
PARKING: Click parking lots on map for real time availability http://map.wisc.
Thanks for sharing this. I have the flu but will try and get there before it ends.
Posted by: Rae Kaiser | Thursday, March 02, 2017 at 06:56 AM
I like the way she enhances her quilt tales. Fabulous work.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Thursday, March 02, 2017 at 07:43 AM
Rumi's work always brings a smile and admiration. A bit of a commute for me to see the show but I'm glad to be able to enjoy it through your posts!
Posted by: Peter/Outlaw | Thursday, March 02, 2017 at 08:56 AM
Thank you, Linda, for these views of the detail in her work. It is amazing. I am enthralled by that view of the back side, too. What an artist!
Posted by: Barbara H. | Thursday, March 02, 2017 at 10:48 PM
Her quilts are amazing but when you see the back of them you really understand how impressive they are.
Posted by: Linda Brazill | Friday, March 03, 2017 at 08:37 AM