Quilting Artistry: A Captivating Journey from Photographs to Fabric Masterpieces

Johnstown native Anne Pernell's quilt art show is on display through Nov. 24 in the Cambridge building at Laurel View Village, 2000 Cambridge Drive, Davidsville. This self-taught artist is showcasing her unique quilt portraits and designs in her first exhibition, showcasing her remarkable talent and creative vision.

Transforming Photographs into Fabric Tapestries: Anne Pernell's Artistic Odyssey

From Retirement to Artistic Awakening

It wasn't until Pernell retired in 2016 as a project manager for Turner Construction Co. that her artistic journey truly began. "As most retirees do, you start to think about things to do, and I thought I'd start painting," the Greensburg resident said. "I wasn't bad, but I wasn't great." However, a chance encounter with a sewing machine from her past and a challenge from her daughter would soon ignite a passion for a new medium – quilting.

Mastering the Art of Quilt Portraiture

Pernell's initial foray into quilting began with simple geometric designs, but as she honed her skills, her creations evolved into captivating pet and people portraits, as well as stunning landscapes, cityscapes, and seascapes. "I take a photograph and size that to what I want and start to cut pieces of fabric to fit the photograph, and then I piece them together like a puzzle," Pernell explained. "I use my sewing machine to attach those pieces or different stitching to create shadows and shades to augment the colors."

Perfecting the Craft through Dedication and Collaboration

Pernell's dedication to her craft is evident in the countless hours she spends honing her skills. "I really have to be in the mood to do it, but once I'm in that zone, I can go six or eight hours working at my sewing machine," she said. Her artistic journey has also been enriched by her involvement in a quilt art Facebook group, where she has shared her unique approach and received valuable feedback from fellow artists. "I've never really seen anything like it," Pernell said. "I shared some of the stuff with the group and I could see that I was the only one doing it the way I do it, but I've gotten quite a bit of good feedback."

Showcasing a Diverse Tapestry of Quilt Art

Pernell's exhibition at Laurel View Village features 32 pieces of her captivating quilt art, showcasing the evolution of her style and technique. "I wanted to have a display showing my early work that are very geometric in design, and then I go into the pet portraits and people portraits," she said. The exhibition also features a mix of denim-based quilts and those crafted with vibrant batique fabrics, providing a well-rounded representation of Pernell's artistic vision.

Inspiring Emotions and Memories through Quilt Art

Pernell's unique approach to quilt art has the power to captivate and inspire viewers. "You can see what's possible, and it conjures up emotions, ideas and memories," she said. Laurel View Village's director of independent living and community relations, Angela Rizzo, echoed this sentiment, stating, "I don't think she realizes how talented she is. We have heard nothing but positive and amazing comments from everyone that has seen her work. I constantly hear, 'I can't believe she did that with fabric and stitching. It looks like a photo.'"

Giving Back through Commissioned Work and Scholarships

In addition to showcasing her art, Pernell is currently taking orders for commissioned work, with prices varying based on size and complexity. Proceeds from these commissions are donated to the Rosalie Scholarship, which supports students from Latin America with the online course "Your Voice is Worthy," led by Pernell's daughter, Audrey Pernell. Furthermore, attendees of the exhibition will have the opportunity to enter a raffle to win a custom piece by Pernell, with the proceeds benefiting the Rosalie Scholarship and art programs at Laurel View Village.