Instruments of American Excellence

More than 30 quilts and wall hangings illustrate how Kentucky quiltmakers looked to both the past and to the future for inspiration. In the first part of the 20th century, Americans' interest in their Colonial heritage contributed to a revival in quiltmaking, yet modern trends such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco also brought a contemporary feel to the work of some quilters and pattern designers.  The revival that began around the time of the U.S. Bicentennial also had a dual effect with some quilters choosing traditional methods while others began experimenting with modern fabrics, techniques, and motifs.  This divergence in approaches continued into the 21st century.

These quilts were selected from the Kentucky Museum's nationally significant collection which numbers more than 250 quilts and textile samples.

Due to a lighting project, access to quilts in Backward & Forward: 20th Century Quilts will be limited from Friday, May 27 through June 17, 2016.

More than 30 quilts and wall hangings illustrate how Kentucky quiltmakers looked to both the past and to the future for inspiration. In the first part of the 20th century, Americans' interest in their Colonial heritage contributed to a revival in quiltmaking, yet modern trends such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco also brought a contemporary feel to the work of some quilters and pattern designers.  The revival that began around the time of the U.S. Bicentennial also had a dual effect with some quilters choosing traditional methods while others began experimenting with modern fabrics, techniques, and motifs.  This divergence in approaches continued into the 21st century.

These quilts were selected from the Kentucky Museum's nationally significant collection which numbers more than 250 quilts and textile samples.

Due to a lighting project, access to quilts in Backward & Forward: 20th Century Quilts will be limited from Friday, May 27 through June 17, 2016.

The Kentucky Museum galleries will be open on Saturday, May 28.

In honor of the Memorial Day holiday, the Kentucky Museum will close on Monday, May 30.

This exhibit showcases the collaborative work of residents at the Warren Regional Juvenile Detention Center and local artist Alice Gatewood-Waddell. The twelve paintings, each representing a month of the year, highlight human rights issues relevent to that month.

Opening reception Tuesday, May 31, at 1 pm, open to the public.

More Information

More than 30 quilts and wall hangings illustrate how Kentucky quiltmakers looked to both the past and to the future for inspiration. In the first part of the 20th century, Americans' interest in their Colonial heritage contributed to a revival in quiltmaking, yet modern trends such as Art Nouveau and Art Deco also brought a contemporary feel to the work of some quilters and pattern designers.  The revival that began around the time of the U.S. Bicentennial also had a dual effect with some quilters choosing traditional methods while others began experimenting with modern fabrics, techniques, and motifs.  This divergence in approaches continued into the 21st century.

These quilts were selected from the Kentucky Museum's nationally significant collection which numbers more than 250 quilts and textile samples.

Due to a lighting project, access to quilts in Backward & Forward: 20th Century Quilts will be limited from Friday, May 27 through June 17, 2016.