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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, May 3, 2012 · 4 By Brice Roy SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER Quilts showcase Sentimental Reasons May 3-5 In an age where storytelling is done almost instantaneously via social media and the Internet, the Oakville Museum is showcasing a method that takes more time, care, and definitely more fabric. From today through Saturday (May 3-5) at the Operating Engineers Banquet Hall, the museum will be displaying more than 200 quilts of every size, shape, colour, and pattern. The showcase is in partnership with the Oakville Quilters Guild, which will be displaying some of its own members' creations along with several of the museum's heritage quilts dating back to the nineteenth century. "What we have at the museum are quilts that have a long history. It's the past and present coming together to display the remarkable talents of quilters from several generations," said Susan Semeczko, curatorial assistant at Oakville Museum and Quilters guild member. The connection a quilt offers one generation to the next is what inspired this year's quilt show theme, Sentimental Reasons. "Sentiment is what ties them together. People keep quilts because they care about them and they mean something to them. Whoever made the quilt did it with love, thought, and, of course, a lot of effort," said Semeczko. Despite the hard work involved, Semeczko says that quilting helps some get away from the GRAHAM PAINE / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog woven in time: From left, Susan Semeczko, Gayle Shermet and Carolyn Cross hold five of the quilts that form part of the display from the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estates that will be featured at a quilt show at the Operating Engineers Banquet Hall, May 3-5. One of the oldest quilts to be loaned for the display is the red one beside Carolyn on the right -- it dates back to 1850. hustle and bustle of our world today. "In a world of very fast, instant gratification, in some ways quilting is the opposite to the fast pace. It draws in calmness for people. They seek it as a place where social media and the invasion of technology stops happening," said Semeczko. "It's these peaceful moments that help create truly amazing things." Other than the break from the intrusive technology, there is another essential reason for the hobby. "Basically, it's a love of fabric. You just go into a fabric store and start looking. You may find a fabric you love and buy it with nothing in particular in mind, or you could buy it and put it in a box to let it `season' as we call it," said Gayle Shermet, member of the Quilters' guild. Semeczko couldn't agree more. "If you don't love fabric, you won't be a quilter, it is a simple as that." To share their love of fabric, members of the Oakville Quilters' Guild will be on hand at the event. They will also provide various demonstrations hoping to inspire others to take up a needle and remove any stigmas. "I know people always think of quilts as a little-old-lady kind of thing but, it isn't. It appeals to all ages," said Shermet. Sentimental Reasons will run from 10 a.m.­5 p.m. at the banquet hall located at 2245 Speers Rd. Admission costs $7. Unlock the door to active retiremen n t living at Vistamere, Oakville's premier retirement residence. Beautifully decorated, from the casual elegance of the lounge to our professionally landscaped private courtyard, we've designed Vistamere with a relaxed lifestyle in mind. Spacious studios, one and two bedroom units are available to active seniors who want to make the most of their retirement years. Half of our suites have patio walk-outs, with many ope ening on to the beautiful gardens in our courtyard. There will always be just one seating for breakfast, lunch and dinner in our tastefully appointed dining room. Daily housekeeping and weekly linen service leave you free to enjoy the many activities and day trips that are so popular with our residents. Call today for your personal tour. We'd love to have you join us! 380 Sherin Drive, Oakville, Ontario (905) 847-1413 www.vistamere.ca