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Quilt stories at the Lake Geneva Library

Photo

Award-winning quilter and author Chris Kirsch will be the featured speaker at Lake Geneva Library's "The Quilting Bee Series" Jan. 26. Pictured is one of Kirsch's quilts, a rendering of her log home.

A Dresden plate variation quilt by Chris Kirsch was one of 18 winners in that National Quilt Museum's contest. The quilt uses only two fabrics, black and a multicolor batik. Photo courtesy of Chris Kirsch.

WHITEWATER -- Art comes in all shapes and sizes, is made of everything from colored paper to poured aluminum, and is created by all kinds of people. Some would argue that craft is different than art, but sometimes the two collide and the result is so stunning, no one cares if its called craft or art. That’s sort of where quilting falls with its legions of followers.

“I’ve discovered that quilting is a subculture in this area,” said Alisha Benson of the Lake Geneva Public Library and organizer of “The Quilting Bee Series.” Benson’s series reflects the atmosphere of a quilting bee -- “I just love that sense of community and wanted people to gather together in the spirit of the quilting bee,” she said.

Quilter and award-winning author Chris Kirsch will present a program, “But I Still Love You,” on Saturday, Jan. 26, at the library. The program will feature Kirsch’s collection of old and antique quilts.

“Many of them are quite old, some are very worn, but I love them all,” Kirsch said.

Dressed in a Victorian gown she sewed and embellished with designs reminiscent of her quilts, Kirsch will discuss her quilts from a historical perspective. “Sometimes, there is a story in the quilt, sometimes the story is how I’ve acquired it.”

Her collection of old quilts reflects one portion of her quilting enthusiasm. Kirsch also creates stunning art quilts, which have been displayed throughout the world, from Paducah, Ky., to Christchurch, New Zealand.

She has written three quilting books, including her most recent, “Compass Capers -- Create Your Own Unique Mariner’s Compass Quilts.” Kirsch also writes a quilting blog and hosts international quilt excursions.

If you go

-- What: Quilt talk, presentation

-- When: 10:30 a.m. Jan. 26

-- Where: Lake Geneva Public Library, 918 W. Main St., Lake Geneva