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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, February 25, 2016 | 44 John Bkila Sub-Editor jbkila@oakvillebeaver.com Threads of Africa quilt tells story of coming together by John Bkila Oakville Beaver Staff Artscene "Connected to your Community" Local residents will only have until the end of the month to catch a glimpse of a quilt by an award-winning quilter on display at the Oakville Museum. Threads of Africa, designed and co-ordinated by Renske Helmuth, is a 96-inch by 96-inch quilt that is made up of individual blocks put together by members of the Waterloo County Quilters Guild. The blocks of the quilt use a variety of fabrics, beads and buttons brought back from Africa by Helmuth. "Renske... incorporates colours, fabrics and designs in her work that reflect the wider world of textile art," said Carolyn Cross, Curator of Collections/Museum for the Town of Oakville. "The inspiration for the quilt arose when Renske returned from a trip to Africa and wanted to capture some of her memories in a quilt. The idea of a group project arose when Renske realized that many quilters at her guild had connections with Africa as well." The blocks showcase diverse styles of textile and fibre arts, using various techniques, such as piecing, appliqué, embroidery and other embellishment methods. "The joining together of the individual blocks reflects the time-honored collaborative approach to quilting," said Cross. The inspiration for the quilt arose when Renske (Helmuth) returned from a trip to Africa and wanted to capture some of her memories in a quilt. The idea of a group project arose when Renske realized that many quilters at her guild had connections with Africa as well. Curator of Collections/Museum, Town of Oakville Carolyn Cross Residents take a closer look at the Threads of Africa quilt, designed by award-winning quilter Renske Helmuth, on display at the Oakville Museum until the end of the month. | photo submitted by Bev Andersen The quilt is on loan from Len's Mills Stores Collection, which purchased the quilt at auction. "Len's Mills Stores... has been an advocate for the quilting community for many years and avidly collects quilts to support charities," added Cross. Resident Bev Andersen had the chance to see the artwork and contacted the Oakville Beaver. "I had the opportunity to feast my eyes on one of the most outstanding quilts I have had the opportunity to see in a long, long time," said Andersen, who submitted a photo of the quilt to the Beaver. "The quilt is stunning and the story behind it is fabulous." The Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, 8 Navy St., is open Tuesdays-Sundays from 1-4:30 p.m. Benefit concert Saturday raising funds in support of refugees coming to Oakville A benefit concert this weekend will raise funds in support of refugees coming to Oakville. The Saturday (Feb. 27) fundraiser benefits the Incarnation Church Refugee Family Support Fund. The love lives of several great composers will be celebrated in song at the concert, to be held at the Anglican Church of the Incarnation, 1240 Old Abbey Rd., at 7:30 p.m. Performers include: Charlene Pauls, soprano; Norine Burgess, mezzo-soprano; tenor Mervyn Russell, who will present musical theatrics love songs; and the Oakville Children's Choir. Tickets cost $30 and will be available at the door. The parking entrance to the church is off of Montrose Abbey Road. During intermission, there will be additional opportunities to contribute to the fund, through taxable receipted donations, donations for beverages and by participating in a raffle. For more information, call the church at 905-825-2851. Big Movies, Small Prices! 171 Speers Road (at Kerr) Oakville general: $8.50 children (3-13): $6.50 seniors (65+): $6.50 tuesdays: $5.00 905-338-6397 www.film.ca facebook.com/filmca @filmcacinemas DeaDPOOL february 12 HOw tO be singLe february 12 zOOLanDer february 12 HaiL caesar february 19 eDDie tHe eagLe february 12