Stitches in Time

Dawn Williams Boyd is one powerhouse of an artist. Even articulate PlatteForum director Judy Anderson, whose enthusiasm for the gallery's changing menu of resident artists never falters, seems to be rendered nearly speechless by her estimation for Boyd: "Dawn is accomplishing an enormous amount of work," she says simply -- noting that in the space of little more than a month, the local artist taught twelve at-risk children from the Colfax Community Network, ages seven to twelve, about the history of quilting and helped them created their own portrait quilts, all while stitching, embroidering and appliquéing her own seven-by-ten-foot masterwork, Quilting With Ms. Dawn. The big mama of all portrait quilts, the piece depicts Boyd, surrounded by each of the participating kids. In its simplicity and cheerful palette, it pretty much personifies what PlatteForum is all about in the first place: providing quality, hands-on cultural arts experiences to youth in need. No wonder Ms. Anderson is all agog.

Me, Myself and I, Handmade Quilts, an exhibit of quilts by Boyd and her students, goes on display tonight at PlatteForum, 1610 Little Raven Street, Suite 135, during a reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; the show remains on view through June 13. For more information, visit www.platteforum.org/residency_boyd.htm or call 303-893-0791.
May 22-June 13, 2008