CREATING THROUGH THE FIBER ARTS.
When the word art is mentioned, people often think of painting and drawing as the mediums, but when you see Ann Thomas’ beautiful quilt pieces, you understand why it is called fiber arts. Her banner pieces are often non-traditional paper-piecing, using mixed media, where she paints on fabrics or adds embellishments and stitch work. She creates one-of-a kind pieces which have been exhibited in galleries and shows around Ohio.
Ann came to Marion in 1974 and stayed because she liked being part of a town this size, with people who invited her to be a part of their lives. She is active in the community, working as a substitute teacher for Health Tech at Harding High School, taking LEI classes, enjoying shows at the Palace and time at the Marion Public Library, and service to her church and doing food distribution. She said it is her participation in the Marion community that gives her ideas for her fiber art.
It is at her church, Emanuel Lutheran Church on 241 S. Prospect Street in Marion, where you can see examples of Ann’s beautiful banner quilts. There are 52 banners are based on Bible stories and events in the church year. The color, design, and texture of the banner are meant to enhance the worship experience and encourage all ages to ask questions. Each year the church hosts a Quilt Sunday, usually in October, where a group of quilters make quilts and kits for Lutheran World Relief. This year they made 275 tied quilts that OHIGRO in Waldo, who ship them to Chicago, to then be sent around the world.
In Ann’s 25 years of quilt-making she admits she still enjoy to design work of quilt making the most, playing with different colors, textures and patterns to create unique pieces. It is her passion to create these amazing quilt banners that helps Marion a more beautiful place to live.
#WeAreMarionMade #WeAreArtists #WeAreQuilts
