The Art of Quilting

The difference between cozy bedcoverings and expensive art that hangs on a wall depends on design, materials, technique, creativity, and probably also the quilt-maker's intent (a quilt entitled “Orange Construction Fence Series #18/37,” for instance, is not likely to be great-granny's work). Laurie A. Gorman's PBS-aired documentary The Art of Quilting takes a look at a handful of artists whose quilts are featured in the juried exhibition of art quilts known as Quilt National, a show featuring some of the most notable contemporary quilts created in the United States each year. Viewers meet Bob Adams, who says he prefers the medium of quilting because of “the textural quality that I can't get with a brush or a pen,” as well as a witty group of four calling themselves the Chicago School of Fusing, who are as ebullient and colorful as the quilts they produce. A visit to the Art Quilts Philadelphia exhibition rounds out this engaging program, which spotlights wonderfully diverse quilts, such as a memorial prayer flag, a quilt of found objects, and a patchwork quilt of New York City transit maps. DVD extras include a 20-minute quilt gallery segment with additional artist interviews. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)