How very... derivative

As mentioned previously, we will be discussing the MQG's post on copyright and derivatives at the September meeting. This is a topic that stirs up strong feelings and very little agreement about where boundaries should be drawn.

At my house we have spent quite a bit of time discussing this topic lately, mainly because my boyfriend is still trying to understand what all the hubbub is about ;) He has a background in graphic design, however, so he understands the broad strokes of the controversy as it is the same debate that has been going on in the world of art and design for ages.

There is a ton of content out there for you to wade through, and I encourage you to do a bit of reading and come to your own conclusions... but in the meantime, here are a couple of interesting videos on the subject:

Creativity is a Remix by Kirby Ferguson

All Creative Work is Derivative by Question Copyright

Edited to add: I was just watching the Definition: Modern Quilt webinar by Mary Fons and if you haven't watched it, I recommend it. She spends some time talking about the 'roots' of modern quilting in the Amish and Gee's Bend quilts and shows some great examples of both modern and antique quilts side by side where there is a striking similarity... I wonder if the modern quilters asked permission and gave credit? ;) I think this slide sums it up nicely:

September meeting reminder

September is almost here again, and that can mean only one thing... the MMQG is back in session soon!

Our first meeting of the 2016-17 year is taking place on Tuesday September 13th at 7pm at the CRCS St-Zotique in Montreal.

A reminder that the Molinari challenge quilts are due! They need to be quilted, bound and labelled, ready to go! We will discuss our next steps with the Molinari challenge, as well as announce this year's new challenge.

As voted on in June, our dues for this year will be $35. You are welcome to pay in cash or by cheque (made out to 'Montreal Modern Quilt Guild'), and the dues are paid to Josee our guild Registrar.

Over the summer the Modern Quilt Guild posted an article on their blog talking about copyright and 'derivative' works. It has caused quite a stir among the MQG community and prompted a very animated discussion among us at the Twist festival. As this is an important topic for our community, we'd like to discuss it further at the meeting. If you haven't already read the post, you can find it here:

Understanding Copyright, Derivatives and Design Credit in Quilting

Make sure you read not only the article, but the comments as well. The discussion in the comments was so passionate that the MQG edited the post to state that it is 'under review'... at the time of writing this nothing has been changed, but I urge you to check it out in it's original version.

Update: the MQG has since archived the original post and has posted a follow-up blog post: Making Decisions Together. 

And finally, if this year is anything like last, our meeting room may be very warm so you are encouraged to dress in layers and bring something cool to drink! :)

See you in September!

Cheryl Arkison trunk show

Quilt and photo by Cheryl Arkison

On Friday October 21st, Cheryl Arkison will be joining us for a trunk show of her works. Please join us at 631 Rue Melrose in Verdun (in the basement of Verdun Elementary at the corner of Verdun and Melrose) from 7pm to 9pm for an evening of quilts and stories.

Cheryl will share a number of her quilts with us, along with the stories behind them. She will also discuss her inspirations and the importance of scraps, improvisation and play in her work. She will also be doing a signing of her books, so bring along your copy to get it signed!

This event is open to everyone... feel free to share this event with anyone who might wish to attend. Admission is $5 for MQG members and $10 for non-members. Admission is free for MMQG members who are also participating in her Circles and Curves workshop. Refreshments will be provided, as well... hope to see you there! :)

Twist Fibre Festival - August 20th and 21st

The Montreal Modern Quilt Guild will be taking a break from its summer vacation to attend the 5th annual Twist Fibre Festival in Saint-Andre-Avelin, QC the weekend of August 20-21!

We have a booth for the weekend and will be there with samples of our work, quilting demos, finished items and quilting supplies for sale and a fun collaborative project for the public to participate in! Swing by to see us and say hi! :) 

Also, we were recently interviewed by La Presse about the modern quilting movement and the full article is now available in the La Presse+ tablet app. It was a fun interview and a lovely article; if you'd like to know more about what we do and why we do it, make sure you check it out! (La Presse+ Édition du 5 août 2016, section PAUSE, écran 2)