Susan’s first fracture pattern was of a covered bridge. The pattern was from a picture taken by Susan on a family vacation in Vermont. It was taken in early winter and Susan gave instructions that the quilt should show the bridge in autumn. The result is a typical fractured quilt: although the pieces show a complete picture when put together, the background is each member’s interpretation of fall, thus giving the final product a “disjointed”, but pleasing effect.

The second quilt finished by Susan is called Edo Spring. This quilt was inspired by Susan’s love of all things Japanese. Susan provided the pattern and background fabric for a kimono shaped quilt, with the instructions that each person create a Japanese themed scene on their section of the quilt. The left sleeve is a winter into spring scene by Cheryl Carbone; the back is a combined effort by Dona Ford and Joanne Baeth; the bottom is by Louise Page and the right sleeve is by Susan.

This year’s quilt is from a painting done by Susan’s friend, Jennifer Saylor and is named, appropriately Jen’s nest. Susan fell in love with the painting and was given permission to recreate it in fabric by Jen. The techniques on this quilt range from hand dyeing silk, beading, felting, fusing and greatly inspired work to create the actual nest. Each artist also made an egg to put in the nest. The result is a beautiful recreation of the nest that is filled with small treasures.

Do stop by Two Rivers Gallery and view these quilts up close. The detail is fascinating.

The February 2012 display will feature several art quilts designed by Dona Ford.  Participating artists are Joanne Baeth, Carole Bowen, Kathy Adams, Susan Massini, Louise Page and Cheryl Carbone. 

Fancy Zebras

Dona’s first love in life has always been horses, so it was just a little stretch to use Zebras as a fracture piece.  One Zebra was given to each participating member along with a paint chip that the artist could use for her colors.  Nothing traditional about these Zebras, loaded with color each Zebra takes on an attitude of its own. 

Dancing Carousel

The carousel horse is from one of many carousel pictures by Gary Sinick.  (copyright permission is in progress) The Dancing Carousel is a favorite of Dona’s.

Forgotten Garden

The Forgotten Garden is a large piece where your eyes keep looking and discovering individual art pieces throughout the quilt.  There is an old key and chain hidden in this garden, giving you permission to enter.  This piece is her mind’s fantasy looking for a peaceful place to rest and think.

“Grandma’s Big Catch”, designed and quilted by Kathy Adams, depicts a camping scene Kathy created from photographs (shown below) that her grandfather took in the 1950′s. It features Kathy’s grandma, the big striped bass she caught, and their very modern 1950′s house trailer.

Collective Visions is an art quilt group whose projects resemble works of art rather than traditional quilts. The traditional three layers (top, batting and backing) found in quilts is maintained however the art takes over with original design and innovative embellishments including paints, inks, beads, yarns and special fibers. Each member of the group designs a pattern that is divided into sections and given to the other members of the group. The artists independently complete the sections and return them to the original designer who then joins and finishes the quilt.

Participating artists are Kathy Adams, Joanne Baeth, Dona Ford, Susan Massini and Louise Page.

 We have made some changes to the volunteer commission structure in order to encourage more volunteering, since we definitely can’t sell art if we are not open. It used to be that there was a 5% reduction in commission for each full day worked per month, with a maximum of 4 days, or 20% reduction in commission per month. We have changed that to 2 ½% for each ½ day worked, since many volunteers prefer to work only a ½ day. We have also instituted a policy of ‘banking’ for extra ½ days worked above the 4 day per month limit. That way, if a volunteer will be on vacation and has worked extra hours during other months, they can assign those ‘banked’ hours to the month they will not be here.

 We had several thefts of cash in the spring, which did not stop until we installed a camera in the room where the cash is locked away at night. That was very disturbing. Last month some local youths had a rock throwing-battering ram party at the expense of the gallery and the Community Center, doing about $3000 in damage in broken windows and doors. Fortunately that expense was covered by CVIP and not passed on to the gallery. CVIP has not increased our rent in quite some time. However expenses are going up. The cleaners that we’ve had for many years moved out of the area and the new cleaning costs are higher, as are cleaning, office and beading supplies.

The budget committee has just put together a budget for 2012. Since we will definitely have a loss in 2011, and there is no reason to expect a big turnaround in spending next year, we have had to make changes in order to break even in 2012. We will attempt to increase our fundraising but it was agreed that a commission increase will be necessary in order to balance a budget for 2012. There has not been an increase in rates for 8 years, but as art sales go down, so does income to the gallery, while expenses only go up. There will be an increase of 5% across the board in commission rates. Volunteers will still get the same % reduction for hours worked but the minimum rate per month will be 15% instead of the current 10%. This will become effective on Jan 1^st, 2012. The membership dues will not change.

 This is not a cheerful newsletter, but please don’t get discouraged. We need to pull together if we are to see this recession through to better times.  It’s been difficult to convince some newer members, who have had very sparse sales, that it is not the quality of their art at fault, but just a general public malaise, and so we have lost a few members this year. We’re pleased to have also gained a few new members.

Chiloquilter's Country quilt

The gallery is looking terrific. We were lucky to have the Klamath Vista quilts on display in the spring, followed by the ‘Chiloquilters Country’ quilt, which was made by the Chiloquilters and donated to the Community Center. Early in 2012 we will have the “Fracture Group’ quilts on display. All of these quilts are quite remarkable and bring many people in to view them.

 Wishing you all a happy holiday season,

TRVA Board of Directors.

click on an image to see a larger photo

 Nicky grew up and has lived her life in various places in Washington, Oregon, and California settling in Klamath Falls in 1995. She is a self-taught artist. Much of her inspiration comes from her childhood when she lived on 120 acres with a pond and a lake, and so watched wildlife and nature everyday. She attempts to paint as realistic as possible, considering regional and season changes to reflect real life.

Nicky says, ‘My goal, like most every artist is to improve my techniques and be a better painter. I enjoy all aspects of life and my goal is to portray that in my art.’