By Kevin Williams
Authentic Amish quilts are a combination of artwork and sturdy utilitarian treasure that could last generations. Over the years the definition of "Amish quilt" has sort of expanded to include Amish that cater to tourist tastes. And, unfortunately, there are "knock off" quilts out there that resemble Amish handiwork but aren't really. For those in southwest Ohio - and we have many readers from this area - the weekend of Sept 26 - 27 offers a rare and wonderful opportunity to see some authentic Amish handiwork in a setting steeped in Amish history. The event will be held at the historic Chrisholm farmstead, the site of an early Ohio Amish-Mennonite community. The photo above is of one of the Amish quilts in the collection. I'll let Anne Jantzen take it from here:
A display of Amish Quilts, presented by the Friends of Chrisholm, will be open to the public the weekend of September 26 and 27, from 2 – 4:00 pm, at the Augspurger House at the Chrisholm Historic Farmstead, MetroParks Butler County, 2070 Woodsdale Road, Trenton, OH 45067.
This small and intimate display of Amish quilts from the 19th and 20th centuries is meant to provoke discussion around the question, “What is an Amish Quilt?”
According to curator Anne Jantzen few people paid attention to Amish quilts until rather recently. Their popularity can be traced to the early 1970’s when Amish quilts were included in a quilt exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City. Art critics and visitors alike were immediately impressed with the sense of color, proportion, design, and balance that radiated from these handmade, utilitarian quilts. Soon many were comparing the work of Amish quilt makers with the works of modern art masters. Amish quilts became sought-after treasures by collectors and museums. Today authentic Amish quilts are difficult to find at any price. But, Jantzen asks, “ What is an Amish quilt? Come see for yourself and draw your own conclusions.”
There is no cost to attend. A MetroParks Butler County Motor Vehicle Permit is required but is free to all Butler County residents. Bringing a group? Please respond to Anne Jantzen at [email protected]
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