sleeping bear dune lakeshore

Working from a panoramic photograph I created a Northern Michigan lake scene using my "collage" quilting technique. I challenged myself to work very large. I split the scene into four manageable panels but when hung together created an amazing 20 foot scene. My collage technique includes batik and cotton printed fabrics along with linen, yarn, sheers, silk, photo transfer elements to achieve interesting textures. I am an artist who has not only exhibited in quilt festivals but have ventured into art exhibits and have had tremendous success. Many times I am the only textile piece to enter an art show and I have found generally that the public is unaware of art quilts. Sleeping Bear Dune Lakeshore won first place peoples choice award in 2013 Grand Rapids, Michigan ArtPrize art competition with a cash prize of $200,000. With this art award I have brought tremendous awareness to the art quilt movement. With my successful art quilt career I have built a beautiful studio, purchased latest machines and have a full time career earning a good living by being a textile artist. Winning this award has opened up many new opportunities which include authoring a book, lecturing and teaching nationally and many more exhibit opportunities.