Abstract Design in American Quilts

The exhibition "Abstract Design in American Quilts," curated by Jonathan Holstein and Gail van der Hoof, was a pivotal event in the 1970s that showcased vintage quilts, including some Amish-made pieces, in a way that highlighted their artistic merit, akin to modern art. This exhibition is often credited with sparking a significant revival in quilting, leading to the emergence of "art quilts" created by artists like Michael James, Jan Myers-Newbury, and Nancy Crow. These art quilts moved beyond purely functional purposes to become expressive works displayed in galleries and exhibitions like the Quilt National. This movement redefined quilting as a contemporary art form, influencing artists worldwide and leading to increased recognition and appreciation for quilts as visual art.1