Quilts have been around since the early colonial days when settlers were in need of keeping warm in this new discovered land. Besides their practical benefits, quilts were also a way for women to express creativity. It wasn’t until 1971 when the Whitney Museum in New York adorned their walls with quilts that it became legitimate art. Fast-forward to 2011 to find artist Denise Burge creating fantastical quilts with a profound message.
Denise Burge, who is currently an Associate Professor of Art at the University of Cincinnati, is part of the visiting artist program at the Kentucky School of Art. Today and tomorrow she will speak about her multi-media work that addresses human’s complex relationship with nature, her own connection to the Appalachian region, and she will unveil her recent piece that was inspired by the coal ash spill that she witnessed in Tennessee in 2008.
Denise Burge events:
Oct. 20- Art, Activism, and Ambience
The Louisville Artists Syndicate, which is a Louisville Visual Arts Association (LVAA) group, is comprised of local visual artists, filmmakers and musicians who aspire to display, discuss, and critique their talents. The Syndicate hosts “Artist Thursdays” on the third Thursday of every month. The October event will start with a public lecture by Kentucky School of Art visiting artist, Denise Burge at 6:30 p.m.
Kentuckians for the Commonwealth will follow her talk with information about coal ash and how it impacts the Louisville community.
Also featuting:
-Music: Baryonyx Trio, Maiden Radio and Relic
-Films: Experimental Film Projections!
-Food Trucks: Mozza Pi and El Rumbon
-Various works from Local Visual Artists
This event is free and open to the public at the LVAA, 3005 River Rd.
Oct. 21- Contemporary Art Quilts and Conversation
The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft will host a lunch and panel discussion featuring Denise Burge and local textile artists Penny Sisto, Denise Furnish, and Scott Scarboro. This event will be followed by a collaborative hand-on art quilt workshop. The event is from 12-2 p.m. and the cost is $20, which includes a box lunch. RSVP to 502-589-0102 to attend.
Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, 715 Main Street
Photo: Tug Fork Breakdown quilt courtesy of Denise Burge
