CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Presented in collaboration with Watkins College of Art, Design & Film

Join San Francisco-based artist Ben Venomfor a two-day workshop exploring quilt design and construction and challenging the concept that quilting is only the domain of folk art. The workshop will begin at the Frist Center with a tour of the exhibition Creation Story: Gee’s Bend Quilts and the Art of Thornton Dial followed by lunch. In the afternoon, and the following day, the program will continue at Watkins College of Art, Design & Film where participants will create an individually designed small quilting square from their own worn out T-shirt of found fabric. The workshops will cover appliqué, basting, and quilt construction. No prior experience with quilting is required.

$120 per participant. Cost includes gallery admission, parking, lunch during both sessions, and some materials. Participants must provide their own sewing machine, T-shirts, and fabrics.

Workshop One
Friday, June 15
• Introduction to class
• Tour Creation Story: Gee’s Bend Quilts and the Art of Thornton Dial in the Frist Center
• Draw out designs for templates
• Cut tees / fabric to size
• Machine sew design together

Workshop Two
Saturday, June 16
• Safety pin / Baste fabric in preparation for quilting
• Design Quilting pattern
• Studio time / troubleshooting


Suggested Reading: Dare to Be Square Quilting: A Block-by-Block Guide to Making Patchwork and Quilts by Boo Davis