EDITOR’S NOTE: “Yachats hosts ‘Gems of the Ocean’ art quilt show, featuring work of Ruth Bass” was published originally on Feb. 9, 2022, by YachatsNews.com, an ArtsWatch Community Partner. ArtsWatch is republishing the piece with permission.
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The Yachats Commons will turn into a showcase for international art quilters when Gems of the Ocean III opens for a three-day run Feb. 19.
A juried show, the event will also showcase the works of Yachats quilt artist Ruth Bass.
“One of the goals of the show is to introduce art quilting to both locals and visitors to the area,” said Bass. “We thought the ocean theme would allow artists to explore the beauty of this area and make interpretations based on their own whimsy.”
This show will be the third juried cash-prize show and the sixth art quilt show produced by Polly Plumb Productions. The event is the brainchild of Bass, a retired board member of Polly Plumb.
Art quilters from around the world will be competing for the grand prize, with entries on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 19-21. Admission is a suggested donation of $5.
Sponsor
This quilt show will follow all COVID-19 safety precautions and requirements of local and state authorities. Masks will be required indoors under Yachats Commons rules.
The show offers four prizes totaling $2,000: First place is $1,000; second place $500; third place is $250; and a Viewer’s Choice Award of $250 will be presented. Final judging will be made during the show, by a panel of artists and dignitaries.
More information on the show is available by emailing info@gemsoftheocean.org or by calling (541) 968-6089. For details on the evolution of art quilts, from bed covers to museum quality art, visit the Polly Plumb website and Facebook page. Polly Plumb Productions is a Yachats nonprofit dedicated to promoting the arts and music.
“We’re delighted to bring this type of show to Yachats, and we welcome everyone to experience an art quilt show,” Bass said.
A 25-year collection of Bass’ art quilt pieces is being featured in the show. Bass is described as an artist who focuses on her subject in a minimalist way, and her abstract treasures utilize bright colors and unexpected details to draw you in. Much of her art has an Asian flavor to it, with a special work titled Tea Time.
Bass has brought quilt art to the Central Oregon Coast on a regular basis by launching three international challenges, hosting two shows by internationally renowned artist Hollis Chatelain, and now topping that off with a third show this month.
Bass studied under Chatelain for more than 13 years, focusing on fabric art and photography, including two independent studies in abstracts in acrylics this winter. Bass’ work has been featured at the former Jacob’s Gallery and OPUS6IX in Eugene, Indianapolis Museum of Art, and the International Quilt Market in Houston.
Sponsor
Bass’s own “challenge” pieces have been shown throughout the U.S. as well as in France, Japan, and Korea. She was the founder of Oregon Fiber Artists in Eugene and co-owner of the former Quilter’s Junction for 13 years.
