Suzanne Geno, who is the subject of the Q&A, shown with her latest quilt "New Mexico, Land of My Enchantment,” which she said was inspired by her many trips to the state. "It is an original design. Some of the fabric is hand-dyed. The Kokopelli figure was hand beaded. I used found objects to form a collage of this work." (Courtesy photograph)
Suzanne Geno, who is the subject of the Q&A, shown with her latest quilt "New Mexico, Land of My Enchantment,” which she said was inspired by her many trips to the state. "It is an original design. Some of the fabric is hand-dyed. The Kokopelli figure was hand beaded. I used found objects to form a collage of this work." (Courtesy photograph) Credit: Photograph courtesy of Suzanne Geno

Bridgewater — Women of Wonder — known as WOW — is a group of nine Upper Valley artists that formed a decade ago after its members took a local class together with Diane Hire, an art quilter from Maine. The group meets monthly at the Howe Library in Hanover — and also, occasionally, for potluck meals at each other’s homes — to share current projects and receive feedback and support.

The camaraderie they’ve built over the years has encouraged WOW members not only to improve their art quilting skills and to show their work, but also to branch out into other media, such as painting, art journaling, beadwork and knitting.

A reception for an exhibit of their work will take place on Aug. 18, from 4-5:30 p.m., at the Norman Williams Public Library in Woodstock. The show will then be on display at the library through Sept. 30.

Suzanne Geno, of Bridgewater, who was at that class 10 years ago, took time out recently to respond to questions about what she’s learned from her participation in WOW and how the group’s members have helped each other, both artistically and personally. (Questions and answers have been lightly edited.)

What makes art quilting different from regular quilting?

Art quilting is distinguished from traditional quilting because it is made for artistic expression, rather than function. It has an original design, and the materials can be handmade (constructed with surface design methods), as well as purchased ready-made fabric. The design can include painting, beading and collaging. Members of our group gather once a year at someone’s home to participate in a day- or weekend-long surface design workshop, where members stamp, monoprint, paint and dye fabric together. Art quilts are not used for utilitarian purposes, like bedcovers. Rather, they are constructed to be hung on the walls as art.

What was so special about that class you took 10 years ago?

The group had so much fun together that day, creating freely, that at the end of the workshop,  one member sent around a signup sheet for anyone wanting to participate in an ongoing group using the techniques Diane had taught.

What inspired you all to continue working together after the class was over?

Members who signed up were desirous of a more free, creative expression with fabric than the quilt-by-pattern methods used by quilt guilds at that time.

How have you and your own work benefited from being part of WOW?

I have learned much about design and color. I learned the valuable lesson of breaking through creative blocks. I’ve improved my sewing skills because of tips from other members. Being in the group has exposed me to many ideas, like surface design. I’ve gained confidence in showing my work as a direct result of the support I have received from this group. Members are always available for honest, creative feedback when I am stuck in some part of the creative process. Seeing what other creative endeavors members have attempted has inspired me to branch out and try new art media myself, like beading, watercolor painting and encaustic painting (which used heat and wax-based paints). I have also made close friends who give me support with life’s trials and tribulations.

What are some of the other projects group members plan to show at the exhibit?

The show will focus on the group’s art quilting. However, on the night of the opening, members will display other objects of art media they have created, like art journals, woven items, knitted creatures and watercolor paintings, to name a few.

Editor’s note: For more information about the WOW exhibit at the Norman Williams Public Library, visit http://normanwilliams.org or call 802-457-2295. Eleanor Kohlsaat can be reached at calendar@vnews.com.