Did you know that quilters aren't always the meek, quiet folk who meet covertly and work their art? You may be surprised to know that quilting is truly a mainstream art - here are some examples:
Karen Nyberg
Karen Nyberg took a giant leap when she became the first person to sew a quilt block in space during her 2013 mission to the International Space Station. That block, a wonky 9-inch star, inspired more than 2,400 people to submit blocks of their own as part of a star-themed challenge launched by NASA and Quilts, Inc. Karen, now retired and working as an artist in Utah, continues to draw inspiration from her space travels. It’s a frequent theme in her art quilts, as well as a children’s picture book scheduled for release in September 2026.
Quilter and former NASA astronaut
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Ken Burns
Prolific film-maker and documentarian Ken Burns loves antique American quilts.
To him, each of these textiles represents a moment in time and American history—a nexus of individuals and geography and culture that can never be fully recovered, but which is nevertheless represented in these strikingly graphic compositions. Burns is less concerned with the provenance and genealogy of his quilts than with their gestalt—both their visual impact on the viewer, and their implicit connections to life stories.
Displayed alongside eloquent, anecdotal thoughts about quilts, collecting, art and authenticity, Burns’ quilts function as his films do: they spark dialogue and remind us—he hopes—of our shared humanity.
"Putting the quilts up permits other people to have their own associations. Like free electrons, they'll bounce off each other, and something will happen. I'm interested in the kinship that happens from the way television shows and quilts bring people together.”
Uncovered: The Ken Burns Collection
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Maureen McCormick
Designer, actress. home-renovator, gardener, crafter, and quilter, Maureen McCormick is a maker and creative spirit whose love of retro-style infuses her fabrics. While you might know her from her years as Marcia Brady on The Brady Bunch, she grew up loving quilts and the family connections they represent. A Blooming Bunch colors funky flowers and prints with an updated-retro palette to create a collection that has a distinctively modern and kind of groovy feel.
"Here's my story... what I love about the 70s style is that it feels very chic, fun, happy, flowery and breezy, and it puts a smile on my face. It makes us feel good because it takes us back to a simpler time, to the simple pleasures that are near and dear to my heart. From the colors of the 70s to fashion, music, and prints, I love it all. And I'm so happy to bring A Blooming Bunch to all of you 'lovely people'." - Maureen
