The National Historic Trails Center in Casper has mounted two temporary exhibits in honor of Women's History month.

Plain and Fancy: The Art of the Needle is an exhibit that includes 55 pieces showcasing needlework technique and is mounted in conjunction with the 40th anniversary of the Casper Needle Guild.

"We collaborated with the Casper Needle Guild and the Wyoming Fiber Trails Project, and together we created this beautiful exhibit," says Wyoming Historic Trails Center Interpreter, Alex Rose.

The exhibit shows traditional and contemporary pieces representing a variety of needlework techniques, including Norwegian hardanger, Brazilian embroidery and Rozashi Japanese needlepoint.

The exhibits open March 1 and runs through April. The ladies of the Casper Needle Guild will present free needlework demonstrations at the Trails Center on March 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.

The exhibit includes a Kid’s Corner, where children can learn how to create their own designs with basic stitching.

The second exhibit is the Women of Courage Quilt, which was mounted for display at the trails center just this week.

"What this quit does is, it recognizes the acheivments of fifteen women that are significant to history," says Rose.  "Each different block pattern in the quilt is represented by a particular heroine."

The quilt was designed by Denise Lipscomb of Waxahachie, Texas, and created by award winning quilter and quilting instructor Pam Elliot of Prism Quilt and Sew in Casper.  It recognizes women such as Sojourner Truth, Helen Keller, Bessie Coleman and Nancy Wake.

The exhibit includes photographs and biographies of each courageous woman. Rose calls it a fusion of history and art.

 

 

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