As a result of his own connection to water, both as owner of a water purification business and owner of property that features a waterfall he has enjoyed since childhood, art quilts that explore the subject of water have become a focus of the Walsh collection.
Walsh explained his attraction to water this way:
"Water has always played a big part in my life; as a little child playing in the glen that ran through my grandparents' farm, now playing in the same glen with my grandchildren. In addition, my life's work is making water safe to use including purifying drinking water, preventing pollution and controlling corrosion.
"When I commission a work for the collection, I normally request that water be the theme. Water takes so many forms—lakes, clouds, snow, steam, ice—that it allows the artist freedom of expression while tying the works together with a common thread."
Representing the creative genius of highly skilled and academically trained studio artists, Wet & Wild: Contemporary Art Quilts from the Collection of John M. Walsh III explores the intriguing fusion of materials and techniques that are redefining the contemporary quilt movement. The artists whose work appears in this exhibition have pioneered innovative design and construction techniques, transforming textiles into objects of phenomenal expressive depth.
About Wet & Wild and the Artists
This exhibition celebrates art quilts as compelling works of art, all inspired by the common theme of water. These quilts were created by highly skilled and academically trained studio artists who have pioneered innovative design and construction techniques, transforming textiles into objects of phenomenal expressive depth. Some works, like Lenore Davis' Florida Surf, Karen Perrine's Forest Flowing, Catherine McConnell's Vermont Swimmers and Wendy Huhn's Acid Rain, seem tailor made for the collection, but Walsh also has commissioned several artists to make art quilts with water as their theme.
About the collector
John M. Walsh III, an Elmira, NY resident, is nationally recognized as a major collector of art quilts. Walsh's collection has grown to approximately 100 quilts that include nationally and internationally renowned artists.
Walsh describes his collecting passion in these words. "Collecting is, in a way, being an artist —it involves assembling a number of pieces to create something which has greater impact than the individual pieces. This happens when the pieces have an understood, recognizable relationship with each other. Over time, as the collection evolves, the focus may change—it may expand, contract or move in a new direction. That's OK, too. A collection is a work in progress."
The Morris Museum deeply appreciates the generosity of Jack Walsh in sharing his incredible collection with our community and for his passion in championing the art quilt movement.
SPECIAL PROGRAMMING
Celebration Reception for Wet and Wild: Art Quilts from the Collection of John M. Walsh III
Thursday, October 3, 6:30pm
Join collector Jack Walsh for an intimate view of his art quilt collection, on exhibit at the Morris Museum. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required and space is limited.
For tickets, call 973-971-3706.
Tickets: $10 Members/$14 Non-members
Quilt Tour and Films
Free with Museum admission
Enjoy a tour of the exhibition Wet & Wild: Contemporary Art Quilts from the Collection of John M. Walsh III, and then watch an episode from The Kentucky Quilt Projects, Inc's documentary, Why Quilts Matter.
September 28, 1:00pm ‘Gee's Bend: "The Most Famous Quilts in America?"'
October, 19, 1:00pm ‘Empowering Women One Quilt at a Time'
Quilters and Friends
Saturday, November 9, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Calling all fiber artists, quilters and quilt enthusiasts! Tour the exhibition Wet and Wild: Art Quilts from the Collection of John M. Walsh III, attend a presentation by fiber artist, Margaret Cusack, whose appliquéd hanging, Rush Hour is featured in the exhibit, and enjoy light refreshments. To complete the day, bring your UFOs (unwanted/unneeded notions) and participate in a notions exchange. Registration required.
For tickets, call 973-971-3706.
Tickets: $10 Members/$14 Non-members, includes light refreshments
Children's Programs
October 18, Wet & Wild:
Contemporary Art Quilts from the Collection of John M. Walsh III
Explore the art quilts featured in this exhibition and then make your own fiber art.
About the Morris Museum
Celebrating 100 years, Morris Museum is an award-winning, community-based arts and cultural institution which serves the public through the presentation of high caliber permanent and changing exhibitions in the arts, sciences and humanities. The Museum also offers educational programs, family events, and is home to the Bickford Theatre and its wide range of performing arts offerings. Continuously serving the public since 1913, the Morris Museum has been designated a Major Arts Institution and has received the New Jersey State Council on the Arts' Citation of Excellence, among other awards. These programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts; the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation; the F.M. Kirby Foundation, and the New Jersey Cultural Trust. The first museum in New Jersey to be accredited, the Morris Museum was re- accredited in 2013 by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Morris Museum is a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road (at the corner of Columbia Turnpike) in Morristown, NJ, and is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 12-5 p.m. Admission to the museum is $10 for adults and $7 for children, students and senior citizens. Admission is always free for museum members and is free to the public the second and third Thursdays of the month between 4 and 8 p.m. For more information, call 973-971-3700, or visit www.morrismuseum.org.
