Art Quilt Tahoe 2024

I went back to Art Quilt Tahoe (AQT) the first week of November this year to do an independent study and recharge my creative batteries. It’s a beautiful location right on the shores of the lake and in the fall the sunrises and sunsets are breathtaking.

AQT has been providing art retreats to quilters for over 20 years. You can choose among several nationally known teachers to study with in piecing or surface design–or you can choose your own adventure, as I did the past two years. The venue is a conference center with either cabins or hotel rooms to stay in and meals are provided, so you don’t have to cook.

I shared a cabin right on the lake with my friend Maria Shell, who was teaching at AQT this year. So I set up at the dining room table in the cabin and had this gorgeous view all day.

My plan was to take an inspiration painting from an artist at the local gallery I’m affiliated with–Marthe McGrath, who’s an abstract painter–and use the colors to make my own quilt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I pulled a color palette of pink, orange, brown, charcoal gray, gold and several neutrals and set to work.

I rented a sewing machine and had a foam core board as a design wall. I created a variety of freehand curve blocks in the colors I’d put together–it was fun playing with the elements to come up with something new.

 

Each morning several of us got up at 6 AM and walked around the property for about 45 minutes to get out in nature and get our exercise for the day. It was a little chilly, but not too bad. We were lucky with the weather–no snow this time.

Each instructor gives a short presentation either at lunch or dinner and on Wednesday night there is a bazaar where teachers and students have items for sale.

Maria Shell, Barbara Manley and I each bought silk scarves from instructor Pat Pauly–so fun!

At the end of 4 days, I had a new quilt top based on the colors in the inspiration photo that measures about 41″ square. It doesn’t have a name yet.

AQT is a fun week long immersion in creativity–your own and other people’s–so it’s something I hope to do again. I’ve signed up for next year!

Here’s a sunset photo to end the post. Thanks for reading!