A quilt exhibit by a local artist has stitched its way into the art scene.
Embroidered quilts by University Galleries Director Amy Vigilante can now be seen at The Thomas Center Galleries until March 22. Locals can attend the opening reception for her exhibit, “A Bare Thread,” tonight from 6 to 7 p.m. at the gallery, 302 NE Sixth Ave.
The exhibit features 14 of Vigilante’s quilts, which were influenced by her background in painting and inspired by her personal experiences. She said she created her first quilt — called “Zoey” — during storms caused by the four hurricanes that came to Gainesville in 2004: Ivan, Charley, Frances and Jeanne.
“That fear made me want to cut up fabric,” Vigilante said.
All of her quilts are named after dogs she knows and many of the materials used in her quilts are from cloth she has on hand, such as old Lucky Brand shorts or bathing suits.
The exhibit coincides with The Thomas Center’s 35th anniversary, which will showcase the art of regional artists in the gallery throughout the year, said Russell Etling, interim manager of cultural affairs for Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department.
“We try to broaden people’s perspectives on what is art and celebrate the work being done here in our community,” Etling said.
Chris Richards, a 29-year-old graduate art history student, said he admires Vigilante’s quilts because of their ability to document her past experiences.
“As a viewer, you can interact and understand those experiences through her quilts,” he said.
A version of this story ran on page 3 on 1/17/2014 under the headline "Thomas Center exhibits sew many quilts from artist"
