Jul 29, 2026

"A Firm Foundation" quilt exhibition on display at Dordt University

Now through August 14, a quilt exhibition by Sioux Prairie Quilters will be on display in Dordt University's Campus Center Art Gallery.

“A Firm Foundation,” an exhibition featuring quilts made by members of the Sioux Prairie Quilters, is on display in Dordt University’s Campus Center Art Gallery, now through August 14. 

Sliced Tomato

by Jo Alberda

The exhibition explores the enduring traditions of quilting while showcasing the creativity of contemporary quiltmakers. The exhibition statement reads:

The quilters selected works around traditional themes that have been the bedrock of this craft for centuries. A traditional quilt is characterized by the repetition of a block design, creating a rhythm that has sometimes been described as visual music. Blocks can be as simple as a square or an equilateral triangle, or as complex as a log cabin or a split nine-patch. While the block may be an established design, the color and value arrangements are from the mind of the quilter. These blocks are the foundation of the art of quilting from the past to the new modern quilt movements of today. Creative minds are still designing new blocks, most often variations of traditional blocks. It is the “living-breathing” character of this craft that makes for an enduring art form that passes from one generation to the next, most often handed down from mother to daughter, and sometimes a son!
Traditional quilts were generally made for domestic uses, or to mark an event such as a baptism, a wedding, or a death. But just as a quilt can warm a body in a bed, it can also warm a room when hung on a wall.

For those interested in more information on the works or artists, an artist reception will be held on Thursday, August 6 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center Art Gallery.


About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation's leading Christian universities by U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other national publications.


A picture of campus behind yellow prairie flowers