Addendum...

So often when someone of note dies, those of us who admired -- but never knew -- that person are wishing they'd had an opportunity to meet her. or at least get to know more about her in a more personal way.

(L) - (R) - Alex Anderson,
Yvonne Porcella, Ricky Tims
Photo: The Quilt Show 

For those who would like to learn more about Yvonne Porcella and her adventures in quilting arts, The Quilt Show -- generally available only by subscription -- has made available a FREE viewing of their 2010 "Quilt Legend" episode, honouring Yvonne.

In this episode, she not only provided a tour of her studio and taught a couple of fun and interesting techniques, but also spoke at length about her family, her childhood, her background in sewing, her inspiration, and her passion for colourful textiles, for quilting, for studio art quilts and SAQA -- the organization she founded and served.

Click HERE for the link to the episode, available through February 29.  Scroll down to Episode #713 -- and enjoy!

Farewell, Yvonne

Yvonne Porcella
May 12, 1936 - February 12, 2016

It is with sadness that I learned this morning of the death of Yvonne Porcella, a founding member of SAQA and the association's first President, on February 12.  She was a legend in the quilting arts community, a gifted creator of wearable and two-dimensional art -- all in glorious, joyful colours.  The SAQA community as a whole is planning a tribute; please stay tuned to the SAQA Yahoo Group for further information.  In addition, any wishes you wish to express to Yvonne's family may be done via the Yahoo Group.

Candles for Yvonne

Cynthia Wenslow
SAQA Social Media Coordinator

I'm not sure how many of you read the conversations on the general SAQA Yahoo group...and I'm not sure how many of you read the Regional e-mails you receive...

So I am sending out this message received recently from Cynthia Wenslow:

"In 1989, Yvonne Porcella, a California quilt artist, sent out 50 letters to artists and friends to rally them to her cause of establishing a place for art quilts in the world of contemporary art.

Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) was launched from Yvonne's initiative, rapidly growing to include hundreds of members across the USA.

Forward to 2016. Yvonne Porcella is facing some very serious health challenges. SAQA, the organization that is her brainchild, would like to surround Yvonne with positive thoughts from the membership, and with candle light, which is particularly meaningful for her.

Yvonne Porcella

We invite SAQA members to participate in two ways:

1. Email us at social@saqa.com with an image of original art you have created for Yvonne featuring candles, either art quilt, fabric collage, or photographic art, and a positive statement for her challenges or statement of gratitude for Yvonne's efforts in advancing the art quilt (no stock photos, please)

or

2. Create a 4"x 6" postcard-sized art quilt featuring a candle and/or positive sentiments or affirmations. Email image to social@saqa.com AND mail the actual art quilt to Candles for Yvonne, c/o Cynthia Wenslow, 1862 E Belvidere Rd, Ste 121, Grayslake, IL 60030

It is our hope that these positive thoughts and images will surround Yvonne at a time when she needs them most.

These images, sentiments, and art quilts will be shared with Yvonne as possible, and posted on SAQA social media for her to enjoy.

If you have any questions, please email social@saqa.com.

We thank you in advance, in sincere gratitude."

As befitting our 25th anniversary celebration, Yvonne -- the first SAQA President -- was the Keynote Speaker at the SAQA Conference in Washington, D.C. in 2014:

Those of us who come after her in the studio art quilt world, owe her a debt of gratitude.  Whether or not you remember her with an art card, please keep her and her family in your prayers.  Thank you.

Yvonne Porcella

Ms. Porcella was a founding member and the first President of SAQA, in 1989.  Here is her address at the 2014 Conference, celebrating 25 years (!) of SAQA:

http://youtu.be/PZ64IQmGWBQ

NOTE that she taught in Calgary in 1983 -- at a conference held at the University of Calgary...