Art of Collecting 2009 October 17, 2009

Art of Collecting 2009

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles was given two amazing collections of molas - those wonderful, colorful, collectible textiles of the Kuna people of Panama. To celebrate, the Museum staged the exhibition Fabric Tattoos: The Spirit of the Mola, currently on view through October 25.

On Saturday, October 17 from 1-4pm we will hold a special Art of Collecting program highlighting this fascinating art form. We will learn about molas and the people who make them. We will also follow the journeys of the two collectors, Charlotte Patera and Isabella Lively, who together donated over 120 molas and ephemera to the Museum's permanent collection.

This half-day forum is $10 for students; $25 for non-members; $20 for Museum members. Advance ticket purchase is required. Tickets available at www.sjquiltmuseum.org or by phone at 408.971.0323 x14. Space is limited, so reserve early to ensure your place.

The Collectors
ISABELLA "MIZ" ZEMER LIVELY, a first generation "Zonian", was born in the Panama Canal Zone. Through her mother, a pioneer mola collector, Miz developed a keen interest in molas. In her trips to Panama, Miz spent many happy hours sorting through and buying molas from the Kuna women's "Cooperativa." She had these molas designed into quilts, into wall hangings and especially into striking wearable art, becoming known as "the mola lady of Sonoma."

CHARLOTTE PATERA is a quilter, teacher and author who was first captivated by the brilliant graphics and techniques of the molas in the 1960s. In her trips to the San Blas Islands, Charlotte developed a profound respect for the Kuna people and an appreciation for molas. She began collecting molas, and became particularly fascinated with adapting molamaking techniques into her own work. Her 1995 book, Mola Techniques for Today's Quilters, presents an accessible explanation of the molamaking process and how to incorporate it into the repertoire of the contemporary quilter.

$10 for students; $25 for non-members; $20 for Museum members.

Official Website: http://www.sjquiltmuseum.org