Hometown stories sewn into quilts

Every quilt tells a story – of family memories, distant travels, creative journeys, and moments in time captured in fabric and thread.

This connection between quilting and storytelling colours the HEART’s walls in ‘Stories Quilts Tell’, an exhibition by Maureen Munro and Friends which runs until April 15.

The exhibition’s opening night on Friday, March 21, welcomed visitors to discover more than just beautifully crafted quilts. Each piece hangs alongside its maker’s story, adding depth to the visual experience.

“People don’t often understand the worth of quilting, seeing it as merely a pastime hobby,” Maureen said.

“But it’s far more than that. These quilts carry symbolism and stories that are significant to each creator.”

For Maureen, who has worked with thousands of quilts over her 25-year career, the exhibition arose from discussions with fellow quilters.

“We discovered that there is always a deeper story behind each quilt – emotions and experiences stitched into every piece.

“That’s when we realised the stories were more important than the quilts themselves, and we had to share this beautiful realisation.”

The exhibition showcases quilts which celebrate ‘My Margaret River,’ encouraging artists to express unique perspectives of home through textile tales.

Some pieces incorporate children’s painted fabrics or treasures from African adventures, while others depict local landscapes through naturally dyed materials.

A companion book captures these stories alongside photographs of each quilt, with proceeds benefiting Arts Margaret River.

“Just as a painter plays with colour and design using a brush, quilters create with material, patterns and thread,” Maureen explained.

“The process provides both solitude for skill-building and a sense of community through groups that have often met for decades. As people stitch fabrics together, life stories unfold.”

Drawing on her extensive experience, Maureen has crafted a comprehensive resource booklet for aspiring quilters. Thanks to the Shire’s support, visitors can take home this valuable guide at no cost.

“I’m so grateful for the support that allows us to share this wonderful form of creative expression,” Maureen said.

The exhibition invites visitors to engage more deeply with this art form through several special events.

‘Meet the Artists’ sessions run Mondays at 11:15 am after Young @ HEART, featuring a different quilter each week.

As the Artist in Residence, Maureen presents daily from 11am to 2pm on a treadle machine, ready to share insights and answer questions about quilting techniques.

On Sunday, April 13, Mindful Margaret River explores how the meditative art of quilting and other creative practices support mental and physical well-being.

Beyond patterns and stitches, these quilts offer windows into their makers’ worlds, where every stitch and pattern weaves together art, memory, and meaning.

For more information about the exhibition, visit artsmargaretriver.com