Tentmakers of Cairo Return to Grand Rapids, Michigan at AQS QuiltWeek™
Grand Rapids, Michigan (PRWEB) August 01, 2013 -- The American Quilter’s Society, headquartered in Paducah, KY, is pleased to present Return of Stitch Like an Egyptian at AQS QuiltWeek™ – Grand Rapids, Michigan August 14–17, 2013. The most celebrated fiber artists of the year, the Tentmakers of Cairo return to the U.S. with 125 new works of appliqué artistry. Each piece is handmade in Cairo specifically for exhibition in the United States, and will be available for purchase beginning August 14, 2013.
All 125 works on display are masterfully designed and crafted, showing the breadth of design and composition that typify this uniquely Egyptian art form. Egyptian tentmakers are famous for stunning designs in appliqué on canvas-backed cotton backgrounds, forming multiple layers of design and dimension. Made entirely by hand on a single street in Cairo, Egypt, these appliqué designs make bold statements in home décor as conversation pieces or wall-hangings. Through the sponsorship and support of the American Quilter’s Society, the U.S. is falling in love with the men and their work.
Tentmakers Tarek Abdelhay & Hosam Hanafy were met with such celebration in the North American Premiere in Grand Rapids in 2012, they had to return once again. They will be surrounded by the beauty of the works, while they meet and chat with visitors, all while stitching new pieces at lightning speed.
Excitement saturates the exhibit, as Tarek and Hosam radiate warmth, welcoming visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Thousands come to see the jaw-dropping art work, many spend hours watching the men work, and others come to purchase a piece for their collection. The sale of the Egyptian artwork begins as the doors open at 9 a.m. on August 14th.
At home in Egypt, the Tentmakers of Cairo aren’t met with the appreciation they find in the United States. Viewed more as craftsmen than artists, they go unnoticed by many in Cairo. Yet American audiences appreciate the skill and artistry of their work, and are absolutely thrilled to learn from them. At AQS QuiltWeek, the Tentmakers of Cairo experience the respect and appreciation artists of their caliber deserve.
Admission to Return of Stitch Like an Egyptian is free with admission to AQS QuiltWeek. Hours are Wednesday, August 14 through Friday, August 16, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, August 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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The American Quilter’s Society is the largest quilting membership organization in the world. For almost 30 years, AQS has been the leading voice in quilting inspiration and advice, through a broad suite of products—magazines, books, live events, contests, workshops, online networks, patterns, fabric, and catalogs. At AQS, we believe that with inspiration and advice, the creatively-minded individual can take their quilting projects beyond what even they had imagined. That is why inspiration is central to everything we do. The leading authors in quilting choose to publish with AQS; the best in quilt artistry select AQS events to display their work; the newest quilters learn from the knowledge and inspiration of AQS members.
Tim Langlitz, American Quilter's Society, http://aqsshows.com/AQSGrandRapids/, 859-652-3846, [email protected]
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