Opening Day - In Her Mind's Eye: Doris Elizabeth Prouty

Free and open to the public, registration required. 

Join the Cape Ann Museum for an opening day celebration of In Her Mind’s Eye: Doris Elizabeth Prouty at the Janet & William Ellery James Center. 

Doris Elizabeth Prouty (1947-2020) was a resident of Gloucester for nearly 50 years, a self-taught African American quilter, a beloved community member, a teacher and a mother. Her quilts explore many traditions of American quilting, from familiar patterning to elaborate appliqué.  Together they narrate the stories of her life, her imagination, and her community here on Cape Ann.

For Doris, quilting became a means of creative expression, and a way of building community She continually experimented with and mastered new techniques and color strategies, creating pieces that ranged from small studies, to bed quilts, to elaborate appliqué scenes.  Over time, her work became increasingly complex, and themes emerged, such as the imagined scenes from Africa (a place she never visited), and images from Gloucester.

In response to this exhibit, artists Claudia Parachiv and Sika Foyer will be installing Coming Back Together – An intimate gathering space on June 11. This outdoor, public art installation will be crafted with the participation of community members much like a sewing circle.  All skill levels are welcome and useful! The finished folly will invite people to sit, connect and share stories, while immersed in color.

Opening Day Activities

• 10:00 am - 3:00 pm - Community installations of Coming Back Together – An intimate gathering space with artists Claudia Parachiv and Sika Foyer between 10:00 am - 3:00 pm.
• 11:00 am - 1:00 pm - Make a Paper Quilt with Ila Prouty, Doris' daughter.
• 1:00 pm - Opening Remarks