Emily Bellinger's colorful, graphic and contemporary quilts have caught the attention of Fiberart International, the Carnegie Center for Art and Art History, and the Burchfield Penny Art Center. She's also the singular force behind MMMily Handmade, where she offers original artwork and playful handmade accessories at contemporary craft shows in the Western NY region. 

Inspired by a vintage romance novel, Tender is the Storm is Bellinger's take on contemporary intimacy through recent works in fiber and multimedia. 

GALLERY TALK: Friday, October 6, 6:00 PM
Free // All Welcome

"Tender is the Storm is a series of quilts inspired by my journey towards self-love after years of failed romantic relationships. The work utilizes my ongoing practice of improvisational piecing, with figure drawing and portraiture sewn onto the surface of the quilts using multiple layers of thread. These self-portraits gesture with emotive body language to communicate empowerment, sensuality, and intimacy. The functional medium of quilting is often used for comfort and warmth, making the final wall hangings naturally associated with emotional metaphors.

My improvisational quilting practice lies at the crux of fine art and traditional craft. For over a decade, I have been perfecting the high-level craftsmanship utilized in traditional quilting while challenging the confines of the medium through aesthetic and conceptual exploration. Each work embodies my playful piecing process, an undeniable obsession for collecting fabrics, and a visual vocabulary inspired by graphic illustration and modern design."

- Emily Bellinger