2024 Showcase Quilters

As a Central Oregon native, I have been influenced by the natural beauty of my surroundings, portraying them in my art. My long relationship with horses and the ‘out of doors’ has given me my focus as a pattern designer, painter, quilter, and author of two books. My work has been shown in galleries, National exhibits and shows, magazines and in the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show for 48 years. I enjoy teaching and sharing techniques in the classroom. It is so satisfying seeing the success of my students as they are what inspire me to teach.

In 1993, my husband and I moved our ranch to Pendleton, Oregon. Farming wasn’t enough for me and I opened a quilt store, Log Cabin Quiltworks. I began designing patterns for StenSource, The Stitchin Post, Prairie Girls, and myself under Log Cabin Quiltworks.

In 1998, I moved back to Central Oregon, building a small log cabin in the Ochoco Mountains. The convenience of Sisters brought me to retirement here with an inspirational view of the Three Sisters mountains from my studio window.

June’s work will be available to view on Quilt Show Day at Ponderosa Properties, on the corner of Hood Ave and Ash Street.

After graduating from Berkeley with a BA in design, I attended California State University at Long Beach for post graduate work in “metal smithing”. My husband and I met in graduate school and soon relocated to Honolulu where I enjoyed a rich and fulfilling career as an educator and school administrator.

The use of bright colors, bold patterns, and high contrast is strongly evident in my work, and is a reflection of our 39 years living in the Hawaiian islands. The beauty of the islands and the exotic mixture of cultures provided a rich source of inspiration that continues to influence my work.

In 2010, we relocated to Sisters where I discovered “quilting” and a thriving arts community. I enjoy the sensuous nature of quilting. I love all the possibilities; the construction techniques, color and texture choices, and combination of hand and machine quilt work. For me, the final quilting is the “frosting” (serving to highlight, echo, and add visual detail to the composition).

My work has been juried into multiple national and international shows.

Sujata Shah is an award-winning quilter, designer, and author of Cultural Fusion Quilts. She finds inspiration in the rich handmade tradition of her home country, India; Indian and American utilitarian quilts and African textiles.

Raised in an environment where fabrics and stitches whispered stories and colors danced, she developed a deep respect for craftsmanship from a young age.

Her journey led her to an art school, where she honed her skills and discovered a profound appreciation for the beauty found in imperfections. Embracing the allure of flaws, she learned to weave stories through her art, celebrating the unique character each piece embodies.

She finds hand stitching therapeutic and nourishing to the soul, ultimately helping her write personal stories in stitches.

Sujata's art reflects her cultural roots, blending the richness of Indian heritage with the freedom of artistic expression. With a palette of experiences painted by her upbringing, she continues to infuse her creations with the essence of tradition, transforming imperfections into exquisite masterpieces that speak volumes about the human spirit.

You can see Sujata’s quilts on Quilt Show Day at the Three Creeks building, on the corner of Hood Ave and Ash Street.

After visiting the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show with a friend, Janet MacConnell was drawn to our quaint, artsy small town. The many fabulous quilters, great local and guest teachers, as well as the wide variety of classes makes Sisters a rich creative environment. Janet’s love of quilting has evolved and expanded in the 10 years she has lived and participated in this community.

Her quilts always begin with a story or a special person as inspiration. She uses a wide variety of techniques and styles and enjoys challenging herself to keep adding to her artistic toolbox. Her love of color and fabrics is evident by her often scrappy quilts. Friends tease her about the inclusion of the Three Sisters Mountains and the iconic pine trees in every quilt created for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show and the East of the Cascade challenges. Nevertheless, finding new ways to incorporate the mountains and trees that surround us has become a personal way of honoring Sisters.

Janet’s quilts will be on view inside FivePine Lodge during Quilt Show Week: July 8 - 14.

My work is about variety, and I would rather hear someone say my art is interesting rather than beautiful. I am inspired by shape, color, and serendipity. I love abstract, piecing, applique, and mixed media. In my work, you might see fabric I have designed and printed, commercial prints, or decorator stuff with lots of texture.

I enjoy repurposing and reimagining my digital work and am constantly trying to create new and interesting ways of combining images. Using Photoshop Elements photo editing software, the process often involves randomly selecting images and blending them with other art to create something akin to a mash-up. I often print the results on linen, cotton, and silk or will sometimes overprint the images on commercial fabrics. I enjoy using scraps from other projects in my work. Although my work has been seen internationally, I love participating in the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show.

Sharon’s work will be on display throughout the month of July at the Clearwater Gallery, 303 W Hood Avenue, Sisters.