LIHU‘E — What kind of quilt does the “Sweet Lady of Waihole” have at her home?
The Friday lunchtime sounds of Cruz Control (it’s different people from the Pau Hana Market, said Frank Cruz) blended with the excitement of opening day for the Garden Isle Quilters Quilt Exhibit and Sale that sprouted chairs outside the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery, where quilt show viewers could sit and discuss the wide range of quilts, quilting and sewing.
The GIQ Quilt Exhibit and Sale is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 26, and features the work of Jeni Hardy, M. Lea Ingram, Linda Matthews, Lesley Morris and Toni Wass. There is no admission to view or purchase the diverse display of quilts from everyday quilts to fine art quilts.
“Every quilt sold is wrapped in a furushiki,” said Morris, as she ripped a piece of fabric to size for wrapping, sitting atop one of her creations that earned a special People’s Choice award from a previous show. “It’s a lot better than stuffing it into a paper bag. This is quality.”
One of the new facets of this year’s exhibit and sale is the donation spotlight where certain selected quilts, when sold, will have all of the proceeds turned over to the Kaua‘i Humane Society. Additionally, the quilters have set up a collection jar where donated funds will be turned over to the Maui Humane Society to help with its work following the tragic wildfires.
“Memories,” said Ingram. “Who would’ve known? While we were doing publicity photos for this show, the fires were burning. There will be a lot of casualties going to the Maui Humane Society, and they can use the help. And, we’re keeping it separate so there’s no confusion over the help that we’ve committed to our Kaua‘i Humane Society that need help, too.”
Melissa McFerrin-Warrack, of Kukui Grove, said the artists’ reception on Friday evening is the excitement for the weekend, and Kukui Grove just launched its Aloha Friday lunchtime music after calls from shoppers.
“Clark’s resumed its tour of shoppers from the cruise ship, and the lunchtime music is just a little extra for those shoppers after spending the morning shopping the mall,” McFerrin-Warrack said. “They can realize that in addition to shopping, there’s lunch and music, too.”
