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Suzanne Riggio’s St. Mary’s School Quilt
The first time I went to International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas, was the first year for the Journal Quilt Project. Two series in particular grabbed me and wouldn’t let me forget them: Maria Elkins’ feathers and Suzanne Riggio’s rooftops. You can see Maria’s here, and Suzanne’s here (hers are the second row down in the first “bank” of journal quilts on that page). To see more of that first year’s journals, click here. I didn’t know at the time how many glorious quilts Suzanne had already made, and clearly with more to come.
Recently when I posted to the QuiltArt list about my drawing, Suzanne saw my post and must have remembered my San Domenico quilt (here and here plus additional blogposts in late June 2006) and sent me this jpeg of her quilt for St. Mary’s school. Since she doesn’t have a blog, online album or website, I asked permission to share it with all of you and the quiltart list by posting it here:
What is astonishing is that during the eleven years this quilt was in the making, Suzanne had severe back problems, surgery, is now in a wheelchair, and STILL the art will come out, and come out stupendously well! I just get goosebumps thinking about the quilt, her affection for her school, her art…the whole kit and kaboodle!
Suzanne wrote to me that the quilt “will live is a two-sided glass case with oak surround in the new atrium at St. Mary’s School. (The names of the graduates and the history of the school are on the back.)” The new wing will be dedicated on May 31, with archbishops and all. I expect there will be MANY looks of awe and dew-y eyes!
Addendum: some new information from Suzanne:
FYI, St. Mary’s is not my school. We came to St. Mary’s Church in 1996 from West Virginia (36 years). I had a solo quilt show at St. Mary’s in 1998, and that was the inspiration for the commission to do a sesquicentennial quilt for their school, due in 2009. I knew nothing about the school at the time and had to do lots of research.
It was a school started by the School Sisters of Notre Dame who got their start in Bavaria in 1833. Milwaukee was mostly settled by Germans, especially Bavarians, and was a good place for a “mission.” The sisters continued to sponsor the school until 1913 when the parish took over. But the sisters continued to teach and administer. The last SSND principal was Sister Betty–the quilt is dedicated to her.
In the course of my work, I applied for and received a couple of grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board to make this work of art.
The work contains historic stained glass (prismatic foil), maps, buildings then and now, lots of text giving the history, a quartet of kids representing 1859 and 2009, the sacraments kids receive, monstronses, gardens and orchards, sunrises, the names of graduates on the back, and a lot more.
Thanks Suzanne for letting me share this incredible work! The photo is (theoretically) click-able to view slightly larger.
May 3rd, 2009 at 6:55 pm
THANK YOU so much for sharing,Sarah and to Suzanne…this is an amazing and awe inspiring work of art. Sure to be treasured by the school, the graduates and friends for many, many years…and I love the idea of the display in a two sided glass display case. Enjoy the dedication, Suzanne and all of the accolades that you are due.
Bethany in Kingston, ON Canada – still in awe.
May 6th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
She is an incredible women and I am so happy to say she is a good friend of mine.. Her love for quilting just flows out of her. She is a great mentor to me, friend and fellow quilter…. This quilt is sooo beautiful. I have seen it during stages but, not totally done. I will go to St. Mary’s and view it in it’s new home as soon as I can.