The Beauty of Fabric: Wall Quilts and Vintage Ties is the title of the first 2024 Beyond Books: Community ArtShare exhibit at the T.B. Scott Free Library in Merrill. The exhibit is now up and runs through the end of February. Stop in at the library to view the exhibit which is the work of Peter and Dian Ritter of Merrill.
Peter and Dian are both Wisconsin natives, having grown up in Merrill and Stevens Point, respectively. They met in college and graduated with BS degrees in Art Education and received Masters degrees from MSU. They taught in Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids before heading overseas to international schools in seven different countries for over 34 years. Currently, they reside near Council Grounds State Park where they garden, enjoy wildlife, participate in historical reenactments, and attend as many summer concerts as possible.
Dian first enjoyed colors and textures of fabric and sewing in fourth grade when she joined 4-H and entered clothing at the County Fair. She started making quilted wall art 15 years ago and has had a new piece in the works ever since. Some were made as gifts, while others were sold in exhibitions. Smaller and simpler works were completed in two days, while others took two months. Currently, she has around 30 wall pieces stacked in a back room.
While in high school, Peter started collecting ties from yard sales, estate sales, and second-hand shops. He now has over 100 ties, most of which are from the 1940’s. As an Art educator, he wore one of his vintage ties every day in the classroom. After retiring, the ties have been layered in display on a stair railing in their home.
Come and see some of Dian’s beautiful and unique quilted works of art and Peter’s tie collection at the T.B. Scott Free Library exhibit before the end of February.
