Faces in Fabric - Option I

Class Description

Join us for a special session as acclaimed fiber artist Gerry Benton shares her approach to creating portrait quilts. In this engaging workshop, participants will explore how fabric, color, and stitching can capture the likeness, personality, and spirit of a subject. Gerry will guide students through the process of translating an image into fabric, discussing design choices, composition, and techniques that bring portraits to life through quilting. Whether you are interested in honoring loved ones, celebrating cultural figures, or expanding your artistic quilting practice, this class offers a unique opportunity to learn from a respected artist and educator. Gerry Benton has been creating quilts since 1989. Her work has been exhibited widely, including at the National African American Quilt Conference, QuiltFest USA, the Heinz History Center, and Carnegie Mellon University. Her quilt Sunflowers & Poppies was featured in Smithsonian Magazine, and her work appears in Surface Design Journal as well as books by Roland Freeman and Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. Students will leave with new skills for working with imagery in quilts and fresh inspiration for incorporating storytelling and portraiture into their textile work. Dates/Sessions - OPTION I: Session 1: April 4, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Session 2: May 2, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Note: Students are enrolled in both sessions for the option selected. Session dates cannot be mixed. SUPPLY LIST: Photo Reference - *Two printed copies of a clear photograph of the person you would like to turn into a portrait quilt *11" × 14" recommended (8" × 10" minimum) *Black-and-white photos are preferred, as they make it easier to see value and shading Fabrics - *Small selection of fabrics in light, medium, and dark values *Fabrics that could work for skin tones, hair, clothing, and background *Scraps, fat quarters, batiks, or solids all work well Basic Sewing Supplies - *Fabric scissors *Pins *Pencil or fabric marking tool *Glue stick *Rotary cutter and small cutting mat MATERIALS PROVIDED: *Freezer paper for tracing SKILL LEVEL: Novice/Beginner