Current Exhibits

Pattern, Rhythm, and Play

(August 2–December 1, 2024)

The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts (WMQFA) is excited to showcase twenty-five unique and stunning quilts from its collection in the exhibition "Pattern, Rhythm, and Play,” which will run at the museum from August 3 through December 1, 2024. This exhibition demonstrates how historical quilt makers have ingeniously used the fundamental elements of pattern, shape, line, and color to create individual interpretations of traditional quilt patterns. Throughout the ages, quiltmakers have manipulated these building blocks with their own creativity and sense of design.

The exhibition features a variety of quilt styles, from pieced, block-style patterns like a striking Yo-Yo quilt to allover-style patterns like two dynamic Ocean Wave quilts. WMQFA Senior Curator Emily Schlemowitz describes the quiltmakers' hands as having produced enormous complexity and a sense of play while relying on simple shapes.

“Pattern, Rhythm, and Play” presents a unique opportunity to see quilts from WMQFA's outstanding textile collection. Nearly all of the quilts on view have never been shown before and represent the museum's collecting history, including some of its earliest collections and most recent acquisitions. WMQFA cares for over 800 quilts, and the museum's Acquisitions Committee is constantly seeking fine examples of existing quilt styles and new finds.

Support for this exhibition is provided by the Wisconsin Arts Board—National Endowment for the Arts.

Noora Badeen: WMQFA’s Artist in Residence

(August 30–October 6, 2024)

Micro-Gallery Exhibition

This exhibition celebrates the artist residency of Noora Badeen.

Of her work she says, “As an artist, my main interests are in representing social justice, responding to human suffering, and raising awareness about women and children and their struggle in war-torn countries in the Middle East. My artwork allows me to speak for those who no longer have a voice; children and families who died in the name of freedom and liberty during the ugliness of the Iraq War. The world is full of discrimination and pain, especially for children who have had no chance to live their childhood, raise families of their own, or share their knowledge and wisdom.

Throughout these conflicts, ISIS has destroyed the artifacts of my cultural history causing deep pain. I strive to bring the imagery and language from this threatened antiquity into the 21st century. My focus on human society and culture involves ancient and modern artwork and language from before, during, and after the Iraq War. Reading inspires my conceptual approach to media such as painting, drawing, and sculpture. Within these media, I develop specific tones by using different materials, techniques, and textures to reflect a conceptual foundation. The movement and expression involved in my process of art making can be directly communicated to the viewer without spoken language.

My work looks towards a positive renewal of life through rebirth and social justice issues that give a voice to those without one and meaning to strive for a better life. I find my motivation as a response toward the ugliness I experienced throughout the Iraq war.”

Exhibit Links

• Upcoming Exhibits

• Past Exhibits