SEBASTIAN-For the next nearly three weeks, a different type of artwork will be featured at the Sebastian Art Center’s gallery – quilts.
Pieces ranging from small decorative wall hangings to large, nearly floor-to-ceiling pieces that would be more at home on a quilt stand or on a bed are on display, courtesy of the Sebastian Steppingstone Quilters.
“Quilts are art, too,” said non-quilter Donna Coughlin, who took no issue with the gallery displaying quilts instead of what some would consider more traditional art, such as oils or watercolors.
“It’s painting, with fabric,” Coughlin added.
Those from the Steppingstone Quilters, agree that quilting – like painting – can be addictive.
Jeanne Dunphey, who is a member of both the quilting group and the Sebastian River Art Club, got her start quilting in 1991.
“I just like quilting, but it takes so long,” she said, explaining that her quilts are hand-pieced and hand-quilted.
Hers is one of the larger pieces on display, a blue and white sampler quilt – her very first piece. She worked on it as part of a quilting class. During each class, the group would work on a new block, she explained.
Dunphey also paints, which she’s been doing since the mid-1960s.
“It created a monster,” she said of her love of art. “It keeps me almost too busy.”
Fellow quilter Joy Borey said it was nice for the group to be able to show their pieces in the gallery because the quilters already use the other side of the building during their meetings.
“This really worked out well,” she said.
The “Little” Quilt Show runs from now through April 19 at the Sebastian Art Center. The gallery is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There is no admission.
For more information about the Steppingstone Quilters, stop by the center Monday or Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., when the group meets.
The center is located at 1245 Main St., Sebastian.