Picking Up the Piecework: Mary Hartten Legacy
Fiber artists invited to exhibit works created from Mary Hartten's donated fabric collection at The Grand Center for Arts and Culture.
The Grand Center for Arts and Culture in New Ulm, Minnesota is seeking fiber artists to participate in a special exhibition titled 'Picking Up the Piecework: A Legacy of Creativity Through the Lens of Mary Hartten.' This exhibition honors the memory of beloved quilter Mary Hartten, who passed away in April 2023 and generously donated her extensive fabric collection to The Grand.
The exhibit welcomes submissions from anyone who purchased fabric at the 2023 memorial sale. Artists are encouraged to create new works using Mary's fabric or showcase pieces they've already completed. Submissions are not limited to traditional quilts—wall hangings, garments, art pieces, and other textile projects are all welcome.
The exhibition aims to celebrate Mary's meticulous craftsmanship and inspire community members, particularly fiber artists who may not view themselves as artists despite creating beautiful works. Mary was known for her exceptional attention to detail, maintaining a 25 by 13 foot color-coordinated sewing room where she tracked every fabric scrap by memory.
The exhibit opening is Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Four Pillars Gallery and will run through April 2026. Featured works will include pieces created from Mary's fabric, her own completed quilts, and a special letterpress book containing 54 of her quilt squares mounted on individual sheets. One unfinished quilt from her living room floor was completed by a friend as a tribute.
Artists will receive 70 percent of the sale price for any works sold, with The Grand receiving 30 percent.