Structured Shenanigans: Art Quilts by Dale Tomlinson

June 20–July 14, 2024

Dale Tomlinson (b 1962) grew up on the Canadian Shield surrounded by hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams, the majesty of granite formations and glorious forests. Her mother passed on her fascination with textiles, an appreciation of all things made by hand, and her love of colour and beauty. Dale moved from Bracebridge, where she grew up, to Toronto to attend university. She resides there still. She began her studies with Master Artist Nancy Crow in 2011. An undeniable passion blossomed. She left her long-time career in the not-for-profit world and has been a full-time artist since 2018. Her art has been exhibited internationally in curated and juried art shows.

Dale Tomlinson is a contemporary quilt artist. She is known for her brilliant use of colour and love of line and shape. Her compositions are graphic and sometimes whimsical. Dale embraces improvisation in her art. She starts with an idea, often working in a series, and makes an initial colour selection to establish the mood of the piece. Cutting freehand, she creates shapes and lines from the hundreds of fabrics she has curated in her collection. To give her complete freedom, she neither creates patterns nor uses rulers or templates. Next, she lets the art develop and speak to her about what needs to happen next. She will recut and move pieces on her design wall, over and over, until she is completely satisfied with the design. Only then does the engineering begin to sew everything together. Even at this point, ideas may emerge, and the art will evolve. She remains open to possibility. When the quilt top is complete, it is layered with a backing fabric and batting and quilted by machine. This exhibition of her work is a celebration of this act of creating. Structured Shenanigans: Art Quilts by Dale Tomlinson is Dale’s first solo show in Prince Edward County. Please join us for the exhibition’s public opening reception on Saturday, June 22, from 1–4 pm. All are welcome!