Introduction to Studio Art Quilt Associates, an international organization of fiber artists.

1. An Introduction to SAQA

2. Studio Do you have a place where you can work on fibre art? Art Do you create original work from your own design? Quilt Do you create layered art with textiles and stitch? Associates Would you like to connect with other like-minded artists?

3. Studio Art Quilt Associates

4. First, a few definitions ….

5. What is a quilt?

6. When Is A Quilt… Art ?

7. What is an art quilt? Quilt National's definition:The work must possess the basic structural characteristics of a quilt. It must be predominantly fabric or fabric-like material and must be composed of at least two full and distinct layers - a face layer and a backing layer. The face layer may be described by any or a combination of the following terms: pieced, appliquéd, whole cloth, stitched/fused to a foundation. The face and backing layers must be held together by hand- or machine-made functional quilting stitches or other elements that pierce all layers and are distributed throughout the surface of the work. At least some of these stitches or elements should be visible on the back of the work.

8. What is an art quilt? SAQA’s definition: a contemporary artwork exploring and expressing aesthetic concerns common to the whole range of visual arts: painting, printmaking, photography, graphic design, assemblage and sculpture, which retains, through materials or technique, a clear relationship to the folk art quilt from which it descends.

9. Do you think of your quilts as fibre art?

10. If you do …

11. You might like to know about . . . New techniques How to exhibit your work How to photograph your work Shows that you can enter Having your work critiqued The best way to price and market your work Ways to network with other fibre artists from all around the world who do the kind of work you do

12. …and if so …

13. Then you need to know what can do for you!

14. How do artists from all over the world connect with one another?

15. Connecting with other artists Daily, via Chat Group Locally, at regional SAQA meetings Nationally, at annual SAQA Conferences A whole network awaits you

16. Connecting with other artists - Daily, via Chat Group

17. Connecting with other artists - Locally, at regional SAQA meetings - Via regional blogs – from your rep

19. Panels

20. Mentorship opportunities

21. Studio tours

22. Art exhibitions

24. HistoryofSAQA Believing in the need to establish a place for art quilts in the world of contemporary fine art, in 1989 Yvonne Porcella sent out 50 letters to artists and friends to rally them to her cause. And so Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) was born.

26. Educate the public about art quilts

27. Serve as a forum for the professional development of quilt artists

28. Act as a resource for curators, dealers, consultants, teachers, students, and collectors Currently, around 3,000 members world-wide.

30. Monthly e.Bulletin

31. Notice of meetings, educational symposia, calls for entry

32. Eligibility for juried member exhibitions

33. Visioning Project

34. Access to SAQA University and mentoring activities

36. Gallery page on SAQA web site with a link to your web site

37. Listing in teacher's registry on SAQA web site

38. Artwork represented in SAQA PortfolioSTUDENT MEMBER: 1 Year $30 - Same benefits as Active Membership.

39. SAQA’s website www.saqa.com

41. GALLERY

46. NEWS & EVENTS

49. SAQA STORE

52. COLLECTORS

54. ABOUT SAQA

56. MEMBERSHIP

58. INFORMATION

60. Regional and Members’ Blogs

61. Interviews with Artists

62. Where to See Art Quilts: Permanent collections and installations, galleries, internet and television

63. Fiber Art Degree programs

64. Photographers

65. Quilt Repair

73. Artist IndexMentorship ForumsCritique groupsRecent DiscussionsRegion PagesSandboxSAQA Journal Back IssuesImages & Files ListPages ListSAQA website

78. What SAQA means to me

80. Cheryl DineenFerrin MOTORCYCLIST PORTRAIT PROJECT: KARI & JIM, ©2007, 64" x 72"

81. Virginia Abrams REFLECTIONS 5, ©2009, 36.5"H x 29"W

82. Laura Wasilowski ARTFABRIK, ©2004, 51" x51"

83. Sarah Ann Smith A SENSE OF PLACE: THE WALL, ©2007, 27 h. x 29 1/2 w

84. Sylvia Naylor IN THE BOREAL FOREST, ©2007, 20x16

85. Denise Linet A RIOT OF ROSES, ©2009, 22 x 31

86. Phil Jones NIGHT COAT, ©2007, 51" x 36"

87. Where can I see more art quilts?

88. Mississippi Valley Textile Museum Local quilt shows Shenkman Arts Centre