Quilt exhibit features portrait works

“Ordinary/Extraordinary Women” is the new exhibit at the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts in Cedarburg.

The exhibit, which features pieces by rug hooker Liz Alpery Fay, will run from Thursday, Aug. 20, through Nov. 15.

The exhibit represents the culmination of more than a decade of dedicated work by Alpert Fay to honor the women who have significantly influenced her life and artistic practice.

The collection features 17 life-size and larger — the tallest is 8 feet tall — hooked portraits depicting Alpert Fay’s daughter, friends and other key influences.

Each portrait captures the women’s essential qualities while incorporating Alpert Fay’s keen understanding of materiality, design, color and scale. Some rugs are more symbolic, while others picture intangible traits uncovered through interviews she conducted with each subject.

Ruth Spring is warm and welcoming, with a basket of vegetables at her feet. Sherry Paisley is depicted in bold, dark lettering with witticisms by the sitter. The portrayal of her daughter is based on a self-portrait Chelsea Fay drew in high school.

Alpert Fay will give a gallery talk and workshop from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20.

The fee is $10 for museum members and $15 for nonmembers.

Alpert Fay became intrigued with traditional rug hooking in 1998, and in 2006 she began experimenting with found objects gathered in her studio as inspiration.

These new works evolved into an interest in working three dimensionally, and resulted in her continued exploration of mixed media sculpture.

From 2008 to 2014, Alpert Fay founded and acted as co-chairman and artistic director of the Newtown Hooked Art Shows, where she promoted innovation in the hooked art of contemporary artists by producing an annual juried show and securing additional exhibitions throughout the year.

The museum at N50 W5050 Portland Rd. is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, visit www.wiquiltmuseum.com, email info@wiquiltmuseum.com or call (262) 546-0300.