“A quilt is something human, something that lives … because it is made of lives.” – Rayna Gillman
During the months of March and April, the UUSM Art Wall will present an exhibit of quilts made by members and friends of the church. The featured artists include Sue Bickford, Allison Leong, Debbie Menzies, Cathy Seidman, and Dolores Wagner. Also on display are quilt squares made by artists for Yo Te Veo, a collaborative project based in San Miguel Allende, Mexico, to raise funds and awareness of the Palestinian cause.
We hope you will join us at the reception after the service on Sunday, March 1st, in Forbes Hall. Most of the works are for sale and a portion of the proceeds go directly to supporting UUSM. There will be additional items for sale at the reception, including some bed-sized quilts.
Please enjoy learning more about our artists from their statements below.
Sue Bickford
Sue Bickford has been fascinated by fabric for as long as she can remember and has been sewing since she was 10. Quilting became an interest early on and Sue collected fabric and produced a few quilts along the way. But it wasn’t until the kids left home and Sue retired that there was room to keep her sewing machine up and at the ready and there was time to sew that she became really obsessed. Now she attends a quilting group weekly and has more ideas than she can keep up with.
Allison Leong
My quilt making journey began years ago when I saw a Double Wedding Ring quilt. I was told this was not for beginners so I learned quilting from a book. I had experience sewing, learning in middle school. Initially I mostly made traditional patterns but I have branched out to become more untraditional though the quilts in this exhibit are not representative of that. I tend to also make larger quilts as most are given away for philanthropy. I use mostly scrap fabrics and leftover blocks from other projects. I like the more saturated colors, browns and pastels are not me. I did finally make a Double Wedding Ring quilt after quilting for many years.
Deb Menzies
Deb Menzies has been working with fiber arts for over 30 years.
“It all began after the birth of our son, when l began making infant quilts, ‘lovies,’ and mini fidget cloths. I progressed to larger quilts, some of which were shown at the Getty Underground (a private staff art show, only for staff and their guests.) l also have displayed my quilts at the Ventura UU church. And l have participated in Art Shows and Farmers Markets, where I offered items such as bags, scarves, mug rugs, table runners and mid-sized quilts.”
Cathy Seidman
I first learned to sew when I was 10 years old and have been sewing ever since. I started sewing clothes in 7th grade. Then a move to quilting. It’s been 50 years. I love watching the needle move up and down. This fascination with the needle movement brought me to Sashiko. It is an ancient Japanese embroidery technique. It has become a form of meditation for me. Slow constant concentration. Thank you for this opportunity to share my new passion with you!
Dolores Wagner
A Toronto native who has called Southern California home for nearly seventy years, Dolores is a vibrant 93-year-old artist whose life is stitched with creativity, devotion, and quiet determination.
She began quilting decades ago to stay active and inspired, and over the past fifty years has lovingly crafted nearly two hundred quilts—each one a testament to patience, precision, and heart. The beloved wife of the late Dr. Joseph Wagner, Dolores is a proud mother of two, grandmother of two, and great-grandmother of two, many of whom cherish her handmade creations. Though she sews less frequently today, she faithfully dedicates one day each week to her sewing room, focusing on intricate embroidery and appliqué. Next on her horizon is a whimsical moose-themed quilt for her great-grandson, Cederic.
Dolores is thrilled to share her work publicly, celebrating the artistry, craftsmanship, and love woven into every stitch she creates.
For all inquiries, please contact our Art Committee.
