Math + art equals captivating quilts

Mary Knapp’s quilts are more than stitches and cloth. They also represent numbers and math formulas.

The author of “The History of Mathematics — A Brief Course” was so impressed by her work that he put a photo of one of her quilts on the cover of that book.

Roger Cooke is a retired University of Vermont professor. He saw one of Mrs. Knapp’s quilts, “A Number Called Phi,” at a show in Northfield, Vt., in 2003. His recently published “History of Mathematics” is a reprint of his 1997 original.

“He said, ‘Wow. I want that for the cover of my book,” Mrs. Knapp said.

Traditional Arts in Upstate New York has also taken notice of the math angle of Mrs. Knapp’s works.

An exhibit, “Higher Mathematics and Traditional Patterns: The Quilts of Mary Knapp,” opened in the TAUNY Gallery in Canton Feb. 7 as part of Canton's Winterfest activities. The quilts will remain on display through May 23.

On Feb. 28, Mrs. Knapp will offer a “tour” of the quilts in the exhibit at TAUNY, sharing the inspiration behind them and explanations of their construction.

She will bring other examples of her quilts, including a bed-size version of “1000 Pyramids,” made to showcase a collection of fabrics, and “Oak Island vs. The Gypsy Moth Larva,” which addresses the decline of oaks along the St. Lawrence River.

Quilters are encouraged to bring finished works of their own to show.

Following the presentation, visitors will have the chance to ask questions and meet other quilt enthusiasts.

Mrs. Knapp is a retired Watertown High School biology teacher.

Her quilt subjects range from wildlife and landscapes of the Thousand Islands to precise, complex geometric patterns. She also enjoys re-creating cultural landmarks and wildlife of the St. Lawrence River Valley in fabric.

Mrs. Knapp said she embraced a particular theme when teaching and shares the same theme in her quilts: “You need the arts and science working together.”

TAUNY will host other quilting-related events in the coming weeks.

1 to 3 p.m. March 7: Hand-quilting demonstration.

South Colton resident Patty Blickwedehl, an experienced quilter who prefers quilting with a hoop to using a frame, will demonstrate her work on a current project.

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 14: “Design and Drafting — No Math Involved” with Mrs. Knapp.

Participants will learn how to plan patterns, draw them for templates, enlarge or reduce them and draft traditional patterns in ovals, diamonds or rectangles for a completely new design.

Some supplies will be provided; participants will be responsible for others. Program fee is $55 for TAUNY members, $60 for nonmembers. To register and receive a supplies list call TAUNY at 386-4289 or e-mail info@tauny.org.

1 to 3 p.m. March 28: Common Threads: Stories Told by Adirondack Quilts

Hallie Bond, curator at the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake, has extensively researched the history of Adirondack quilts for an exhibit on the subject, scheduled to open at the museum this summer. This presentation will offer a preview and establish a context in which to view regional quilts.

Registration is required and participation is limited for the March 14 design workshop; registration is appreciated but not required for the other programs.

Call TAUNY at 386-4289 or e-mail info@tauny.org to register.

TAUNY is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people understand and appreciate the folk traditions and local culture of everyday life — past and present — in the north country.

QUILT TOUR

WHAT: Watertown quilter Mary Knapp will give a talk and “tour” of her quilts and share details about their construction.

WHERE/WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 28 at the gallery at Traditional Arts in Upstate New York, 53 Main St., Canton.

MORE INFO: Call TAUNY at 386-4289. On the Web: www.tauny.org.

COST: None.