Opening Reception: Nov 7, 2025, 5-7pm
Closing Reception: Jan 4, 2026, 3-5pm

The definition of modern quilting is open to interpretation, but modern quilts generally seek to break, or expand upon, the rules of traditional quilting by having one or more of the following characteristics: Bold Prints and Colors, Graphic Areas of Solid Color, Improv Piecing, Negative Space, Maximalism, Minimalism, Modern Traditionalism. This exhibition illustrates each of the qualities in quilts made by our members.

The Silicon Valley Modern Quilt Guild (SVMQG) is a non-profit organization that provides educational programming to support the growth and development of modern quilting. We strive to be a welcoming, supportive, inclusive, and vibrant community that encourages learning and sharing, and provides opportunities for growth. 

Alternate Grid Work by Renee Silva

Alternate grid work plays with the standard rows and columns of traditional quilting. Using an unconventional layout can create visual tension as the brain tries to recognize a standard rhythm of the blocks. 

Graphic Areas of Solid Colors by Beverly Thompson

Applying fabric as a graphic designer applies ink and paint, sets the modern quilt apart from its block-based predecessors. This form typically relies on strong contrast to emphasize the graphic nature of the design. 

Improv Piecing by Amy Geriak

Improvisational piecing breaks up the rigid geometry of the quilt block. Freeform cutting and piecing is based on the artist’s intuition rather than their ruler. This creates an expressive one-of-a-kind piece of art.

Maximalism by Darla Gallentine

Maximalism is all about aesthetic excess. This is a reaction against minimalism. It is the boldest statements in the loudest voice. In a maximalism quilt even the background fabric has something to say. Everything about the element says, “More is more!”

Minimalism by Michelle Trimble

Minimalism reduces the elements of a quilt to its purest expression of the concept. Remove anything more, and the concept will disintegrate. The “Less is more” approach is applied to both pattern and color. This element is often combined with an abundance of negative space. 

Modern Traditionalism by Mandy Fleig

Modern traditionalism updates a classic quilting design to reflect a modern aesthetic. A block can be deconstructed. Fabric can be applied in a way that alters the pattern of the block or quilt. The process is often playful and unexpected. 

Negative Space by Pam Holt

The application of a generous amount of negative space serves as a juxtaposition of the active part of the quilt. Having this contrast emphasizes the artist’s message in the positive space. Additionally, the negative space provides the viewer a place to rest the eyes as they make their way through the active part of the quilt.

Bold Prints and Colors by Maya Madhavan

The updated colors and graphics in modern quilting help to firmly anchor quilts in the modern aesthetic. Digital media, modern printing techniques and an easy-to-access global retail space provide quilters with endless innovative prints and color combinations, indicative of modern quilting.