Security guard, Crandall Public Library

Leaving the Crandall Library with Maria, I saw this guard standing at the door, the sun coming in behind him. Loved it. Seemed Hopperesque to me. I loved going to hang Maria’s show. She is an inspiration to me.

Maria, hanging her show

I had the most wonderful afternoon, helping Maria hang her quilt show, “Cut It Up,” in the Crandall Public Library Gallery in Glens Falls, N.Y. She hung seven beautiful quilts in the atrium around the gallery. It took us three hours, and all sorts of library users streamed through to watch. They loved her quilts, and so did I. My role was to move the ladder, pass the nails and hooks, step back and gauge straightness, and take photos.

The show is now open. The reception is February 18, 5 to 7 p.m. in the Library Gallery. The public is invited. This was an affirmation of Maria and her art. She has been making quilts from discarded vintage fabric for some years, and last year, turned quilting into contemporary art by making hundreds of potholders, which streamed out all over the world. Next year she plans to make quilts, handbags, potholders in limited editions (she just got some vintage dog and cat fabric) and for general sale. She is also redesigning her website and getting excited about her business. This show is a reflection her skill, faith, good heart and commitment. She has come a long way, been through a lot, and she embodies  the power of telling one’s story, in whatever way is possible, and of cherishing the inner voices, letting them out.

I am lucky to have been invited to the hanging. And I have learned not to speak unless spoken to while she decides where her art goes.

This show is signal to the world for Maria. Congratulations to her.