Support your local (or not so local) artist

I would not describe myself as a 'serious' collector, but I love having, "in the fabric" as Del Thomas says,  pieces from others. It is just wonderful to be able to see the fabrics, stitching etc, up close and personal.

SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) is running their annual auction, which helps raise money for exhibits, catalogs, the SAQA journal and regional activities (http://www.saqa.com/gallery-mini-detail.php?ID=2101). There are many pieces and all are 12x12. I saw quite a few things that 'spoke' to me, many of which were snatched up in the early expensive rounds, but I did manage to snag three pieces that I think are wonderful.

The first is Strange Totems by Ruan Robertson. 
Description from SAQA: Cottons, including hand dyes, improvisationally machine pieced and quilted; selvage wrapped rings, hand appliqued.  Second sleeve attached for alternative orientation resembling a landscape.From what I can see on Google, this is iconic of Ruan's angular style.

Strange Totems

The second is Rockslide by Mary Ellen Heus. 
Description from SAQA: Hand-dyed & commercial silks, cotton, linen, poly organza.   Hand embroidered, machine pieced, appliqued and quilted. Even in the picture, it just shimmers, and the finish on the edge is very unusual.

Rockslide

The last (for now) is Shopping with Mother by Robin Laws Field. 
Description from SAQA: Dyed cotton applique on painted cotton background, with machine embellishment. With such simple lines, Robin captures so much! Amazing.

Shopping with Mother

One thing that I really like about all of these -- in addition to the wonderful visual imagery -- is the excellent workmanship. Just because it is small and donated doesn't mean it should get the same attention to details of edges and finishes. 

What a great way to have a little piece of art all your own...