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It's well known that the Hawaiian Islands offer a paradise for vacationers. What probably isn't as well known is the fact that the islands offer a paradise for quilt makers and all those who enjoy textile art--whether it's creating it or just looking at it. Over the past two centuries, Hawaii has developed a rich tradition of creating colorful, distinctive quilts.
The San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles examines how that tradition has grown and evolved with the exhibit "Moe Uhani Nani: Contemporary Hawaiian Quilts," which opened earlier this month.
Missionaries who came to the islands in the early part of the 19th century introduced Hawaiians to quilting, and the islanders quickly made the art form their own, incorporating images from nature and Hawaiian culture and interpreting them through a unique aesthetic sensibility.
Traditional Hawaiian quilts often feature bold graphic designs, usually symmetrical, that are rendered in bright colors and intricate appliqué work (a decorative technique that requires some skill). Certain patterns might be passed down through generations of a family.
As the exhibit demonstrates, modern Hawaiian quilters have expanded upon traditional techniques and themes, but still draw on the same creative and innovative vision that made Hawaiian quilting such a singularly striking style to begin with.
"Moe Uhani Nani: Contemporary Hawaiian Quilts" runs through Jan. 18 at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, 110 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose. Admission is $5 general/$4 seniors and students/free to members and children 13 and under. For more information, call 408.971.0323 or see www.sjquiltmuseum.org.
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