First Artist-in-Residence

Libby Christensen warmed up the Art-in-Residence room with quilts on every surface: walls, tables, bench, even sink and ladder! Although she lives in Wetumpka and is hardly a “visiting artist,” she volunteered to get the program started. She makes quilts for babies and beds, but also art quilts. Two on display had won Best of Show in different art shows. She makes small items as well, such as hot pads, kitchen towels, hairbands and purses, explaining that the small items sell better at craft fairs (such as the upcoming Charis Crafters on Nov. 9-11 at the Wetumpka Civic Center) and adds that it’s a great way to use up scraps.

Now twenty of Libby’s quilts and wall hangings have moved to Tuscumbia for display at the Tennessee Valley Art Association Gallery, and in January, she will have them at the Folmar Gallery in a one-woman show in Montgomery for the month of January. She has over 100 quilt and sewing patterns on her website, https://sewgocreate.com and considers herself more of a designer than a quilter.

While the sales weren’t strong in the achingly hot August heat (not best time to buy a quilt), Libby’s presence in the front window generated a lot of interest. People are drawn to quilts because of family ties and seem to really enjoy seeing them as a kind of art medium as well. Now that the room has been “broken in,” Director Jennifer Eifert will be looking for a variety of guest artists after Christmas. It is sure to be a treat! We expect demonstrations and classes from the guests and are sure to be pleased and surprised by what’s in store.