ARTISTS WITH A NEEDLE: AMERICA’S GREAT QUILT HERITAGE MARCH 2 IN LEMON GROVE

February 11, 2017 (Lemon Grove) -- "History Alive" continues on Mar. 2 at 7 p.m. in the H. Lee House Cultural Center, 3205 Olive, Lemon Grove, when quilt historian Sylvia Wallace recounts America's heritage of quilting, a domestic skill that was part necessity and part artist's vision.

Wallace will display sample quilts, as will the historical society, that exemplify the painstaking process of turning scraps of cloth into warm, cosy bed coverings and wall hangings. Unbeknownst to their makers, those humble, everyday textiles became treasured heirlooms handed down in families as examples not only of loving care for family members, but inspiring examples of personal artistic vision.

"Grandmother's Garden, "Starburst," "Pinwheels," "Patchwork," "Crazy Quilt," and other traditional patterns may have arisen from thrift -- in bygone days, nobody threw anything out that could be reused, including old clothes -- but in modern life they have the force of creative energy. One such artist was Anna Kavanaugh Moore, who landed in Lemon Grove with her Irish immigrant husband, Thomas Moore, in 1911.  Her gorgeous quilts can be seen in the Parsonage Museum's exhibits, "The Parents' Room" and "The Children's Room."

Lemon Grove Historical Society invites you to join in an intimate, appreciative look back at Great Grandmother's work and how she inspired generations of textile artists after her.  This edition of "History Alive" is suitable for ages 12 and over.  The lecture series is always free, though donations are greatly appreciated.  Information: 619-460-4353.

Videotaping "History Alive" lectures is underwritten by a Community Enhancement Grant from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on the recommendation of Supervisor Dianne Jacob, District 2. Ancillary costs of the series are underwritten in part by the Mary England Endowment for Education