The Sweet & Sour Patch: Taking Flight

Wisconsin Museum of
Quilts and Fiber Arts

The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts (WMQFA) is an amazing treasure located in Cedarburg. Its origins start with the founding of the Wisconsin Quilt History Project, Inc. in 1988, which seeks to preserve the history and creativity expressed in quilts. They document the stories told by quilts and have amassed over 8,000 stories. These were published in the book, Wisconsin Quilts: History in the Stitches (2009). The museum opened in 2011, from a refurbished barn that was part of a larger purchase of historic structures, which also serve as teaching tools at the museum.

Viewing Taking Flight, it’s hard not to find something that appeals to everyone. Brightly colored fabric mixed with colored thread, beads, and paint are a visual feast. The main exhibition space, the barn, has been left bare boned and raw. Nothing is refinished to present a polished image, which enhances the visitor experience. High beams hang larger quilts and lights, and every inch of wall space is covered with a decorative quilt. It’s amazing and a tad overwhelming for the first time visitor. You look up, and around and over and behind--constantly finding something new to look at.

On the floor are cases that hold some smaller works, books devoted to birds, and other sculptures. A few old beds are presented with bird inspired quilts adorning them. And what would an exhibition about birds be without a cage or bird bath to lighten the mood? The exhibition places birds together by type or species--owls in one corner, cranes and peacocks in another. And then there is the ever present scattering of birds local to our area. It was half of the fun picking out what types of birds I see in my yard on the quilts!

This exhibition is a delightful way to spend a few hours on a dreary Wisconsin Winter day. The staff are extremely helpful and more than willing to answer any questions you may have about the museum, quilts, or their work in general. The museum also offers a variety of classes and lectures for all ages throughout the exhibition. Check out the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts here.