Mary Fons is a writer and editor who specializes in the history of the American quilt and the life of quilts in popular culture. She is currently at work on a 10-part docuseries exploring the untold history of American quilts.
Now in her second year as editor in chief of Quiltfolk magazine, Mary previously served as editor and creative director of Quilty magazine (2011-2015). She has hosted nearly 250 episodes of quilting how-to programming on television (PBS) and YouTube. Mary has written the bimonthly Quilt Scout column for Quilts, Inc. since 2015 and her articles on quilt history and culture have appeared in Curated Quilts, Modern Patchwork, and Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting, among others.
Mary serves on the board of the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska and lectures across the country at universities and major quilt shows. She holds a B.A in Theater from the University of Iowa and an M.F.A. in Writing from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Visit MaryFons.com to read Mary’s popular blog, PaperGirl. Also, Mary would like to add that she lives in the heart of Chicago and she is never leaving.
Special Events, Lectures and Trunk shows:
Friday October 18
Breakfast with Mary
The ‘F’ Word: Why Don’t Quilters Talk About Feminism?
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Fee $40
Are quilts “feminist” objects? Are quilters de facto feminists? Do those questions make you angry? And what does that word even mean?? In this risky lecture, editor and lecturer Mary Fons attempts the impossible: to talk to a roomful of quilters from all walks of life about the “F word”. In her respectful, dynamic style, Mary gives quilters a deep-dive overview of what so-called feminism has meant in the past vis a vis quilters, what it means (or doesn’t mean) today; and what the “F word” could mean within our quilting ecosystem. No agendas or conclusions will be presented, just controversy … and a lot to think about.
Trunk Show
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fee $20
When it comes to quilts, Mary Fons likes to say, “If it’s scrappy, I’m happy.” That philosophy informs her fabric selections and a feeling of “whatever you do, don’t freak out” informs the rest of her quiltmaking process. This trunk show will be 50 percent quilt show-and-tell and practical advice, 50 percent don’t-miss storytelling.
The Modern Quilt: Roots & Frontiers
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fee $20
What we call the modern quilt it was born just a decade ago, but its heritage runs deep. Modern quilts have aesthetic roots in various 20th century art movements, they draw from pop culture themes, and they reference quilts and quilters in the past. In her signature style, Mary Fons presents a fast-paced, info-rich timeline of our quilt heritage vis a vis the modern quilt. This lecture is for every quilter, “modern” or not: Diving into the rich history of this new quilt helps all of us respect our work and the work of others, too. Come learn about the latest development in the dazzling story of quilts in North America: the modern quilt.
20/20: Where Are Quilts Headed?
Wine & Cheese
6:00 p.m – 7:00 pm
Fee $60
Are modern quilts here to stay? How about quilt guilds? What’s the next big trend in quiltmaking? If you love making quilts, these are questions you’ve probably asked yourself. In this panel discussion moderated by writer, editor, and lecturer Mary Fons, we’ll take on these questions and more, together. There’s no better way to look into the future than with conversation, friends, wine, and cheese. Join us!
Saturday October 19
Breakfast with Mary
The AIDS Quilt: Remember Me
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Fee $40
In 1987, the HIV/AIDS epidemic in North America had just begun. That year, the first panels of the AIDS Quilt were stitched together in San Francisco. By 1995, more than 320,000 people – mostly men in the prime of life – were dead from complications from AIDS, and 200,000 more were testing positive for the virus. As the death toll grew, so did the Quilt. The story of the AIDS Memorial Quilt is the story of a modern plague, as well as evidence that a community with hope can make a difference in times of suffering. In this gripping lecture, Mary Fons shares the origins of the (now 52-ton) AIDS Quilt and makes it plain why every quilter should know its evolving story. Learn about the surprising backlash to the Quilt and its current status. Warning: This lecture contains graphic content.
Trunk Show
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Fee $20
When it comes to quilts, Mary Fons likes to say, “If it’s scrappy, I’m happy.” That philosophy informs her fabric selections and a feeling of “whatever you do, don’t freak out” informs the rest of her quiltmaking process. This trunk show will be 50 percent quilt show-and-tell and practical advice, 50 percent don’t-miss storytelling.
The Modern Quilt: Roots & Frontiers
3:30 p.m – 4:30 p.m.
Fee $20
What we call the modern quilt it was born just a decade ago, but its heritage runs deep. Modern quilts have aesthetic roots in various 20th century art movements, they draw from pop culture themes, and they reference quilts and quilters in the past. In her signature style, Mary Fons presents a fast-paced, info-rich timeline of our quilt heritage vis a vis the modern quilt. This lecture is for every quilter, “modern” or not: Diving into the rich history of this new quilt helps all of us respect our work and the work of others, too. Come learn about the latest development in the dazzling story of quilts in North America: the modern quilt.