Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center: Auburn New York

Located at 205 Genesee St in Auburn

“Building a vibrant community through the arts,” is the tag line for the Schweinfurth Museum. They are quietly contributing  through their amazing art exhibitions, classes, films, performances, and lectures in Auburn New York, as well as their commitment to recognize and promote the art of quilting and fiber arts.

What they don’t mention is that this gallery is also a location for showcasing the work of Finger Lakes artists.

I could not take photos of the incredible prints that were on display at the gallery, but the tiny gallery brings in powerful shows for such a small footprint. It’s worth the trip or a quick detour while enroute to somewhere along Route 20.

Crazy Quilt or Puzzle Patchwork Quilt, hanging in Cayuga Museum

“Quilting by the Lake” is an annual conference held in June and July, at Onondaga Community College, which features 31 quilting classes for traditional and art quilters of all levels, lectures, a quilt show and vendors.

From the end of October through January the Schweinfurth hosts a juried exhibition of quilts.

Close-up of a "crazy quilt" from the Cayuga Museum

The images above were taken at the Cayuga Museum (Next door to the Schweinfurth Gallery).
Crazy Quilts (1880) were created by sewing scraps on to a larger foundation fabric. They were also called puzzle patchwork or mosaic patchwork.

Fabric scraps could be purchased through mail order magazines, and cigar and cigarette businesses offered fabric as premiums with their products