Children's art inspires Noah's Ark quilts

It took well over 40 days and 40 nights for a team of crafty Sisters women to complete a Noah's Ark-themed series of quilts, but it brought them a boatload of joy. The trio of quilts are now destined for Sisters Christian Academy's fundraising dinner and auction at FivePine Lodge on February 28.

Kristi Bobbitt said the idea germinated after she attended the SCA auction last spring.

"I love children's art," she says. She also drew inspiration from American history. Harriet Powers, a slave during the 19th century who created simple story-Bible quilts using fabric appliqué, is considered the "mother of African-American quilting."

Bobbitt thought the primitive quality of those early American quilts would translate into a fun project for kids. So she commissioned over 30 of the youngest students at SCA, ranging from kindergarten through third grade, to put crayon to paper.

"They came up with some very clever little drawings of animals," she says.

Bobbitt then enlarged or shrank the drawings as needed and used them as templates for cutting out fabric appliqué pieces. Two by two, the animals were positioned, and "little by little" says Bobbitt, "it grew into three panels."

Each of the three quilts portrays a unique scene with the ark and a vibrant array of creatures - from jellyfish to giraffes. Each will be auctioned separately.

"It has turned into a unique piece of art. It really is gallery-quality," says Janet Storton, who helped with the appliqué part of the process.

Other women caught the vision and added their talents. Robin Green helped with the appliqué; Betty Anne Guadalupe of Prineville did the machine quilting; Sami Golden added iridescent beadwork.

Bobbitt is already dreaming of new ideas to involve students in an art project again next year.

"I've become really attached to the kids through this project" she says.

Guests at the dinner auction will have an opportunity to bid on the trio of quilts and many other items. The annual event is the primary fundraiser the private Christian school employs to defray tuition costs and offer scholarships. Tickets are $28. For information and to purchase tickets, call Deb Sumner at Sisters Christian Academy at 541-549-4133.