A conglomeration of quilts adorn the walls of Dunedin Fine Art Center when the latest pair of exhibits open this weekend. The first is an annual international competition hosted by the Museum of the American Quilter's Society from Paducah, Kentucky. Participating quiltmakers were challenged to create a quilt based on a pre-determined traditional pattern. Selected quilts had to be innovative, demonstrate excellence in design and technique, and legitimately fit into an exhibit that reveals the broad range of designs and styles the selected traditional pattern can inspire. Rose of Sharon: New Quilts from an Old Favorite features the winning designs of contemporary quilters working from the traditional Rose of Sharon floral-meets-block pattern. In conjunction, IQ Quilters — DFAC's own resident guild — offer Through the Looking Glass: Self-Portraits in Fabric, a series of self-portraits presented via quilt. Several related programs occur throughout the run of the exhibits; visit the website for further details. An opening reception takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Fri., May 25 ($5 admission general/free to DFAC members). The quilts are on display through July 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., 1-4 p.m. Sun., 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin, free admission, 727-298-3322, dfac.org.
