Great Lakes Quilt Center

The Great Lakes Quilt Center, nestled within the vibrant campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, is a haven for quilt enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This unique center is not just a repository of beautiful textiles but a lively hub for quilt-related research, education, and exhibitions. It stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of quiltmaking, showcasing an impressive collection that spans continents and centuries.

The History of the Great Lakes Quilt Center

The roots of the Great Lakes Quilt Center can be traced back to the Michigan State University Museum, established in 1857. However, its journey into the world of quilt scholarship began in earnest with the Michigan Quilt Project in 1984. This ambitious project aimed to document the quiltmaking history of Michigan, igniting a passion for quilts that led to the expansion of the museum's collection and the enhancement of its care and use.

Over the years, the Michigan Quilt Project has documented over 9,000 quilts, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the state's quiltmaking traditions. The center's collection now boasts over 700 quilts, including significant examples from Michigan and the Great Lakes region, as well as quilts from Africa, Native American communities, and African American quiltmakers. These collections are complemented by special contributions from renowned quilt historians like Cuesta Benberry and Mary Schafer.

Exploring the Collections

Visitors to the Great Lakes Quilt Center will find themselves immersed in a world of color, texture, and history. The center houses several distinct collections, each with its own story to tell. Highlights include the Michigan African American Quilt Collection, the Clarke Family Quilt Collection, and the Kitty Clark Cole Quilt Collection, among others. Each quilt is a piece of art, reflecting the diverse cultural and historical narratives of its creators.

One of the center's standout features is its international textile collection, which offers a global perspective on quiltmaking traditions. From the intricate patterns of Native American quilts to the vibrant designs of African textiles, the collection celebrates the universal appeal of quilting as an art form.

Educational and Exhibition Programs

The Great Lakes Quilt Center is not just about preserving the past; it's also about educating the present and inspiring the future. The center offers a variety of educational programs designed to bring the history and art of quilting to a wider audience. These programs include workshops, lectures, and hands-on activities that cater to quilters of all skill levels.

In addition to its educational offerings, the center hosts a dynamic range of exhibitions that showcase its extensive collection. Past exhibitions have included Michigan Quilts: 150 Years of a Textile Tradition, African-American Quiltmaking Traditions in Michigan, and Quilts and Human Rights. These exhibitions provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the social, cultural, and historical contexts of quilting.

Innovative Projects and Partnerships

The Great Lakes Quilt Center is at the forefront of quilt research and preservation, thanks in part to its innovative projects and partnerships. In collaboration with MATRIX: Center for Humane Arts, Letters, and Social Sciences OnLine and the Alliance for American Quilts, the center has launched several groundbreaking initiatives.

The Quilt Treasures Project, for example, creates multimedia web portraits that document the lives and work of influential figures in the American quilt revival. Meanwhile, the Quilt Index serves as a national digital repository, preserving and making accessible a wealth of quilt-related collections for research and education.

Preserving and Celebrating Quilting Traditions

At its core, the Great Lakes Quilt Center is dedicated to preserving and celebrating quilting traditions from diverse backgrounds. Through initiatives like the Michigan Heritage Awards and the Michigan Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program, the center honors outstanding quilters and supports the continuation of traditional quilting styles and practices.

These efforts ensure that the art of quilting remains vibrant and relevant, inspiring new generations of quilters to explore and innovate within this timeless craft.

In conclusion, the Great Lakes Quilt Center is more than just a museum; it's a vibrant cultural institution that celebrates the artistry and history of quilting. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or a curious newcomer, a visit to this center promises to be an enriching and inspiring experience, offering a unique glimpse into the world of quilts and the stories they tell.