Laois Quilt Makers showcase their stunning work at Mountmellick Library
The Laois Quilters pictured by their charity piece for Laois Arch Club
A STUNNING collection of quilt art created by the talented Laois Quilters was launched in Mountmellick Library recently.
Laois Quilters was established in 2016 and began with a solo exhibition by founding member Ethelda Ellis Erasmus, who is passionate about having quilt-making recognised as true form of fine art.
Every second year, the group invites other quilters from around the country to display their work at a showcase in Laois. On alternate years, the group exhibit their own works, where they incorporate a jointly-created piece to fundraise for a Laois charity.
This year, the quilters created a vibrant piece titled ‘Winds of Change’, which measures eight feet by seven feet, and the chosen beneficiary was Laois Arch Club. Laois Arch Club aims to provide a positive, supportive and friendly secure social environment for people with intellectual disabilities, where they can form friendships and socialise with their peers and with the volunteers.
At the launch, Laois Quilter Mary Heaney, who is a trustee of Laois Arch Club, opened the exhibition with a lovely talk. Also speaking were Laois Quilters Caroline Delaney and Ethelda Ellis Erasmus, with harpists Eunice Grobler and Kiêu Conroy providing the tranquil background sounds.
Speaking on behalf of the quilters, Ethelda said: “We are very grateful to have such a beautiful venue in the gallery of Mountmellick Library to showcase our works. The Laois Quilters always choose a charity in Laois to fundraise for. Our members make suggestions and we then take a vote on which charity will benefit. To know that the money will go towards bettering the lives of our local community is important to us.” Commenting on the exhibition for the , Mountmellick Library branch manager Amanda Hyland said: “We would like to welcome everyone to view this year's wonderful exhibition titled ‘How we see it’ by the Laois Quilters. Mountmellick Library would like to congratulate all members on their work.
“The skill and level of detail required to create such fantastic pieces of art is amazing. The collection takes the viewer on a journey with scenes from Ireland, Africa, France, Iceland and Japan. This exhibition, like their previous ones, will not disappoint. The exhibition can be viewed during library opening hours and will run until 27 June.” Tickets for the charity piece are available from members of Laois Quilters and can be bought in Mountmellick Library while viewing the display. Tickets can also be purchased outside SuperValu in Mountmellick and Portlaoise later this month. The draw takes place in the library on Saturday 28 June.
