‘Extra Texas’ the Focus of New Quilt Exhibits

For the first time in its history, the Texas Quilt Museum in La Grange will present four exhibits on display simultaneously featuring a wide array of “Extra Texas” subjects, collections, and artists. Running from May 11-August 26, 2023 will be ATribute to Mary Ann Vaca-Lambert, Western Quilts by Sarah Dryden, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Blue Ribbon Winners, and the doll exhibit What a Doll!

A Tribute to Mary Ann Vaca-Lambert features 21 pieces done by the late accomplished artist who first learned to sew at the age of six, but also expressed her creativity in drawing, printmaking, and pottery.

“Mary Ann’s exhibit presents the history of her art quilt journey. Who doesn’t remember La Virgen de Guadalupe, or her Coneflower, each beautiful in its own right?” Museum Curator Vicki Mangum says. “The colorful flowers and the self-portrait are a must see. Sadly, Mary Ann passed away in 2022.”

Western Quilts by Sarah Dryden features six works inspired by and used in her Ph.D. thesis “Imagining the Home: The West and the Western.” The works here juxtapose the reality of living in the West from the 1920s-1960s with what was portrayed to the world via Hollywood’s popular Western and cowboy movies.

“It’s surprising to find a person writing their thesis on a topic that includes the making of quilts, especially when that person has never made a quilt before,” Mangum says. “And her artist’s statements further explain her goal and vision with this project.”

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Blue Ribbon Winners 2023 has 28 works judged to be the best in numerous age and theme categories by the committee for the sizable annual event in Houston. They were on display during the rodeo earlier this year. Every quilt that collected points that fell within a certain range of points was awarded a Blue Ribbon, and many of them are included here. The Museum will be working further with the HLSR on a collaborative Rodeo Quilt Contest for 2024.

Finally, What a Doll! Showcases 86 of multi-media artworks from some of the best artists working in the genre today. It’s curated by legendary doll artist, teacher, and enthusiast Elinor Peace Bailey.

“These are some of the most interesting and attractive dolls I’ve seen displayed together in a very long time,” Mangum says. “Dolls and dollmaking bring out the child in us, when our imagination was colorful, whimsical, and full of fantasy. You will definitely enjoy this exhibit of handmade dolls!”

The Texas Quilt Museum is located at 140 W. Colorado St., La Grange, and open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.