Meagan Elizabeth Barry Weidner

I have always created things with my hands – beadwork, embroidery, painting, crochet, ceramics, hand spinning, etc. My mother is also very artistic and first introduced me into quilting ten years ago but I am primarily self-taught. In high school, I took just about every art class that was offer; even retaking some as independent studies. However, I never seriously art considered as a vocation until after I was married. I kept going back to fabric and its tactile qualities. I just couldn’t get enough of it and finally decided to pursue fiber art.

My work was also displayed in a solo show at Chautauqua Institution in the summer of 2005 where it was very well received. Three of my art quilts have gone on group tours to Australia; one of these quilts won first place in its category. My piece Ice and Shadows won an honorable mention in the textile division at the Fairmount Russell Art Exhibition in 2006. I use watercolor techniques in my fabric painting. For three years before my husband and I moved to Cleveland, OH, I worked, taught, and designed patterns at the Calico Cat fabric shop in Lakewood, NY, where I grew up.

Bright, bold colors and fabrics inspire me. I especially love butterflies, lizards, dragons and swirls and these themes show up regularly in my work. My goal is to make art pieces that must be studied to appreciate the many subtle details. I also enjoy taking a traditional pattern or block and by changing it, make it my own.