(New York, New York) The American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) announced today that it is issuing a second-edition of the critically-acclaimed book Infinite Variety: Red & White Quilts in partnership with Rizzoli Electa and the International Quilt Museum (IQM).
“Sharing scholarship and partnering with other museums is foundational to our work at the American Folk Art Museum and we are excited to bring a new version of this book for readers to enjoy,” said Jason T. Busch, Becky and Bob Alexander Director & CEO at AFAM. “We are grateful to Fleur S. Bresler for her support in making this book available again to quilt enthusiasts everywhere.”
This celebrated publication, first published in 2015, offers a detailed look into the history of red and white American quilts and the Museum’s immersive and wildly popular exhibition at the Park Avenue Armory, which featured the entire collection of Joanna S. Rose (1930-2021). The reprint includes a new forward from Dr. Carolyn Ducey, the Ardis B. James Curator of Collections at IQM, acknowledging Ms. Rose’s legacy and the museum’s acquisition of her collection.
In addition to the new essay, the book offers a deep-dive into the Rose collection, providing scholarship on different patterns, designs, and techniques used to make these dazzling works of art. The reprint of Infinite Variety also includes original acknowledgments by Mrs. Rose, Elizabeth V. Warren, Anne-Imedla Radice, and Martha Stewart.
“Infinite Variety was a spectacular exhibition and the book provides an important look into the rich history of red and white quiltmaking. We are thrilled to be reprinting this publication alongside Rizzoli and IQM, and we look forward to the next chapter in celebrating Joanna Rose’s remarkable quilt collection,” said AFAM Board President Elizabeth V. Warren.
Throughout the book, readers will discover the enchanting quilt designs of feathered stars, diamonds, oak leaves, snowflakes, and more, along with striking examples of embroidery, patchwork, and appliqué. Featuring inspiring histories and eye-catching photography, Infinite Variety celebrates the cultural importance and poetic nature of red and white American quilting.
“The IQM is honored to be the new home of the Joanna Rose Red and White Collection. Reprinting Infinite Variety will allow readers to experience the magnitude of Rose’s beloved collection and engage with her quilts in meaningful ways,” commented Ducey.
About Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts (March 25–March 30, 2011)
For five days in 2011, the American Folk Art Museum dramatically transformed the Park Avenue Armory’s historic 55,000-square-foot Wade Thompson Drill Hall with the installation of 650 red and white American quilts, all of which were on loan from the collection of Joanna S. Rose. It was the largest exhibition of quilts ever held in New York City, and as an extraordinary gift to the public, entry to the event was free. Ms. Rose’s vast collection of red and white quilts was later donated to IQM in 2019, and celebrated in a new exhibition at the museum in 2022.
About the American Folk Art Museum
Founded in 1961, the American Folk Art Museum engages people of all backgrounds through its collections, exhibitions, publications, and programs as the leading forum shaping the understanding and appreciation of folk and self-taught art across time and place.
The Museum extends its sincere appreciation to Fleur S. Bresler for her generous support of the 2023 reprint of Red and White Quilts: Infinite Variety.
About the International Quilt Museum
The International Quilt Museum is located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s East Campus at 33rd and Holdrege streets. The museum’s mission is to build a global collection and audience that celebrate the cultural and artistic significance of quilts. Leslie C. Levy, J.D. was named the Ardis & Robert James director of the museum in 2014.