Community Corner

Exhibit Features Quilting Craftsmanship of the Elmhurst Piecemakers

New exhibit opens Wednesday at Elmhurst Historical Museum.

Quilts have a unique way of telling stories through colorful fabrics and intricate patterns, and that is especially apparent when it comes to holiday quilts. The warmth and beauty of seasonal quilts evoke heartfelt images that stitch together endearing stories of holiday traditions past and present.

, 120 E. Park Ave., presents a collection of holiday-themed quilts in its new exhibit, Holiday Traditions, which will be on display from Dec. 14 through Jan. 15. This distinctive array of holiday quilts showcases the legendary talents of some of the area’s finest quilters, known as the Elmhurst Piecemakers. The exhibit will also feature the Elmhurst Historical Museum’s treasured collection of intricate Dresden ornaments.

Holiday Traditions exhibits a variety of quilt craftsmanship in both traditional and contemporary designs.  The Elmhurst Piecemakers have been at their craft since 1980. Today the group includes 48 active members who gather weekly to share their passion and talent for this historical art form that has been passed down through generations.

Elmhurst Piecemakers’ handiwork represents a broad spectrum of styles and an abundance of skill, said Lance Tawzer, curator of exhibits.

“The museum has hosted a number of Piecemakers exhibits over the years, and this time we wanted to showcase a different aspect of their talents with the holiday theme,” Tawzer said. “Their workmanship is impressive, and we are grateful to the Piecemakers for sharing some of their own holiday traditions with the community through these quilts.”

Another facet to the exhibit has ties to Elmhurst history.

“Elmhurst’s roots are German, and we have a rare collection of Dresden ornaments that reflect the city’s heritage,” Tawzer said. “Dresden ornaments were made in the Leipzig area of Germany from the late 1800s until the 1920s. These rare ornaments are highly collectible and prized for their unusual forms, intricate stamped designs and beautiful embellishments that often included hand-painting by German artisans.”

Elmhurst Historical Museum has 45 Dresden ornaments, and the designs differ from typical American Christmas ornaments.

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“Dresden ornaments come in a variety of non-traditional forms, such as birds, animals, buildings, vehicles and ships, so there are no snowmen, religious figures or the iconic Christmas trees that one might expect,” Tawzer said. “This exhibit presented a timely opportunity to showcase this rare collection.”

To add to the holiday spirit, the Glos Mansion will be decorated by members of Elmhurst Garden Club, making the museum an ideal stop for holiday visitors. The museum will also host the Festive Singers, who will perform holiday music at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15.

Museum galleries are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.  General admission is free. For a complete schedule of events plus exhibit and program details, visit Elmhurst Historical Museum’s web site or call the museum at (630) 833-1457.


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