"Sacred Threads" in Northern Virginia Makes an Impact

Sacred Threads has found a new home in Northern Virginia.

The exhibit of art quilts has been held biennially in Ohio since 2001. But this year, the powerful and moving exhibition is at the

After two years of planning and months of work to get the display in place, Lisa Ellis, co-chair of Sacred Threads 2011 is enjoying the reaction of the visitors.

“One woman came back in and told me ‘I’m a better person because of Sacred Threads,’” shared Ellis.  

The exhibit is set up in a labyrinth type style, with rooms and detours throughout the exhibit. Nearly 200 quilts from around the US are displayed, but the visitors are not overwhelmed because of the careful layout. Each turn yields more color and stories.

The Sacred Threads mission is to create a safe place for quilters and fiber artists to display the pieces they created that are most personal to them, expressing their feelings about spirituality, growth and their journey. 

The quilts in the show are divided into themes: spirituality, joy, inspiration, peace/brotherhood, grief and healing. While the Sacred Threads exhibit is displayed at the Church of the Epiphany, it is not an entirely religious show. 

Each artist has also supplied a statement about their work including what it represents, how it came about and what they gained from creating it. The statements reveal much about the quilt and the artist.

Most people take in the piece first, in its entirety from a distance, then lean in to read the artist’s statement. They then focus on the details of the piece that might be missed at first glance.  

“You don't just look at it, you truly are involved in it. You read the stories of inspiration, joy and grief. They provide the tissues,” said Mary Ellen Rubenstein.

All pieces are primarily fabric, but the use of other materials for effect and impact was impressive. Photographs, mesh, coins, paint are used on several pieces in different manners.

On her third visit in two days, Carmen Dyson comes back, bringing friends to see the exhibit. Dyson creates liturgical hangings, and felt the show was inspiring and “beautiful.” Her friend Anne Moffatt said, “These aren’t quilters, they are artists. Quilters, but much more than quilters.”

Contained within, but separate from the Sacred Threads exhibition, is the Walking In Love installation, a spiral pathway through white fabric panels, 1 foot by 8 feet. Each panel is unique and, like the quilts surrounding it, has its own story to tell.

When Lisa Bray, coordinator of Walking In Love, heard about Sacred Threads, she asked if they could be involved. The two groups felt an immediate connection and were excited to be able to work together. The entire Walking In Love installation was transported by trailer from California.

Sacred Threads has asked visitors to share their wishes and prayers and thoughts about their Sacred Threads experiences on ribbons of silk. At the conclusion of the show, the Sacred Threads committee will create a white panel incorporating those ribbons for Walking In Love, completing their circle of collaboration.

“Next time” is a recurring topic of conversation among the committee and the volunteers, as they plan and consider the 2013 show, which will again be held in Northern Virginia. Everyone who has been involved this year is committed to continuing the exhibition.

Sacred Threads 2011 will continue at Church of the Epiphany through July 4. Hours this weekend are Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 3 and Monday, July 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A special sponsors reception will be held on July 3 at 4 p.m. Admission is $5 and CD’s of the individual quilts and accompanying artists statements are available for sale for $10.