Picking Up The Piecework: A Legacy of Creativity Through The Lens of Mary Hartten

Mary Hartten, at the direction of her mother, began sewing before she was five years of age.  It progressed to a lifetime passion.  Once becoming an empty nester at the young age of 38, she began quilting.  She had an extensive, high quality fabric collection that was very important to her. At the time of her death, her children knew her fabric collection needed to go somewhere special. Knowing that The Grand was special to Mary, it was decided her fabric would be donated.  This idea transformed into a successful fabric sale at The Grand.  It was a spectacular event and brought folks who had never experienced this arts center.  Not only did the event provide funding for The Grand, it provided for a wonderful community event with camaraderie and stories.  Mary’s fabric is also fulfilling her wishes. It is now providing happiness to others in our community.  The Peacemakers Guild is also utilizing the fabric to provide quilts for babies, veterans and cancer patients. Many people, like Mary, don’t see themselves as artists. Fabric is just as much an art form as painting or drawing. This is why we want to showcase additional members of our community who may have created a piece of art from Mary’s fabric collection. The show will also feature a presentation by Randy Hartten, Mary’s son, on the art book An Unfinished Project. An Unfinished Project tells the story of Mary by presenting her 54 quilt squares on letterpress-labeled mounting sheets and related supporting documents that are housed in an archival presentation box.