Press Releases 2008

New Quilt Classes

CONTACT: Janet Peterson, Marketing and Public Relations Director
TEL: (856) 825-6800, Ext. 108
FAX: (856) 825-2410
E-MAIL: jpeterson@wheatonarts.org

DOWN JERSEY FOLKLIFE CENTER AT WHEATONARTS OFFERS NEW QUILT CLASSES WITH INSTRUCTOR Merry May

▪ Scrap-Busters. Participants bring their scraps and “orphan” blocks to class, organize them and arrange them in different blocks to create a sampler quilt. No two quilts will be the same at the end of this class. Participants should bring their sewing machine to each class, along with an extension cord and basic quiltmaking supplies (rotary cutting equipment, etc.). Class Schedule: Five weeks. All on Saturdays: February 16 and 23, March 1, 8 and 29, 2008. First Session (February 16): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Second through Fourth Sessions (February 23, March 1 and 8): 9 a.m. to Noon. Fifth Session (March 29): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Skill Level: Advanced Beginner (familiar with basic quiltmaking skills). Class Limit: 15 people. Fee: $80 per person. Includes 23 hours of instruction. Does not include supplies.

▪ History's Mysteries: Making A Reproduction Of An Antique Quilt Block. Have you always wanted to make a reproduction of a real antique quilt block, but didn't know how to go about it? This is the opportunity to choose a block, draw a pattern, and then make a block (or small wall hanging, if you wish) based on the original pattern. Participants must bring a photo of an antique quilt block they would like to reproduce to the first session, along with a pencil, eraser and ruler. The innstructor will also provide ideas to choose from, in case participants have trouble locating an appropriate block. Other supplies will be assigned for the remaining sessions. Class Schedule: Three weeks. All on Saturdays: February 23, March 1 and 8, 2008. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each session. Skill Level: Advanced Beginner (familiar with basic quiltmaking skills). Class Limit: 15 people. Fee: $40 per person. Includes nine hours of instruction. Does not include supplies.

May began making quilted pillows for family and friends in the mid 1970s, not knowing at the time that the Le Moyne Star pattern she was making was one of the most difficult patterns to machine piece. She then created her first full-size quilt in the Rolling Star pattern, which is even more difficult than the Le Moyne Star. May has developed a reputation for excellence in teaching quiltmaking as well as in collecting and identifying antique quilts.

This year marks May’s 20th anniversary as a quilt instructor. In 1992 she began writing instructions for “mystery quilts” under the pen name of Inspector Cluesew, which she later changed to Merry Mayhems Mystery Quilts. She is a founding member, past treasurer and recent past president of the State Quilt Guild of NJ. She is also a past president of Tri-State Quiltmaking Teachers (now known as Quilt Professionals’ Network), and her local guild, South Shore Stitchers. She will teach once again in the 2008 Vermont Quilt Festival in June.

Pre-registration is required. In order to register, call 800-998-4552 or 856-825-6800, extension 109, or send an e-mail to kmorton@wheatonarts.org. Payment can be made with a credit card or a check payable to Down Jersey Folklife Center at WheatonArts. Registration deadline: Ten days before the class.

Refunds will be given up to one week prior to the beginning of the workshop. After this time the workshop fee is non-refundable. WheatonArts reserves the right to cancel a workshop due to minimal enrollment. If cancellation occurs, WheatonArts will refund all workshop fees.

WheatonArts strives to ensure the accessibility of its exhibitions, events and programs to all persons with disabilities. Provide two weeks notice for special accommodations. Patrons with hearing and speech disabilities may contact WheatonArts through the New Jersey Relay Service (TRS) 800-852-7899 or by dialing 711.

The DJFC is a division of Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center, Inc., a non-profit arts organization. The DJFC receives support from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts; the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State; Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Bank of America and Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. The DJFC is further supported by residents and groups with an interest in the traditional art and culture of southern New Jersey.

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