My good friend Barb and I took a day trip recently to Carnegie Center, just a two-hour drive from here, to see another one of Penny Sisto’s exhibits. I thought I’d share some inspiration from this talented artist.
This year’s exhibit is called Earth-Tones and all of the quilts have been dyed with coffee. She said that the whole dyeing with coffee came about because her husband spilled coffee on her ironing board! “As I ironed it dry I saw sheer beauty appear…the alchemy of coffee and heat across the fabric started this journey.”
Before I move on to the quilts, Penny uses recycled fabric in her quilts. Since she is known to use recycled materials she gets a lot of donated goods. However, she has been known to buy a t-shirt off someone’s back! Below are just a few of her pieces. What is amazing about Penny is that she has completed all of these this year!

Just to give you an idea of what she uses in her quilts, Langspil lists silk roving, fur, torn rags, antique lace, coasters, leggins, and Mexican blouse.
Her’s a closeup:








The caption: “Hearing the hum of the factory, she stands timorous on the threshold. Child labor remains one of the darkest shadows on our planet.”





As I said these were just a few of her pieces in this exhibit. Most of them were already sold. Any of the quilts she doesn’t sell she will take home, take apart, and reuse for her next project. What an amazing woman!
If you live anywhere close to Louisville, Kentucky, take a couple hours and check out this lovely center and this exhibit. It will be hanging through January 10.
Thank you for sharing this most talented artist with us! What an imagination and true talent. my fav is the crane bride and the concept of the elders.
Wow, fantastic work by Penny. I wish I lived closer so that I could see her show in person. But you so much for sharing.
Maxine Oliver recently posted..New Necklace
Ruby, I really love the crane bride too. Her work is amazing. Thank you for dropping by.
Maxine, Her work is remarkable. Pictures just doesn’t do it justice. Thanks for dropping by.
Stunningly beautiful! I love her textures, and the detail… she is incredible!
Judy, Penny’s art is unbelievable in person! Love how she uses all recycled. Thanks for dropping by.
What an amazing exhibit and I love the reuse of objects. I hope they all sell, because it is all too beautiful to be taken apart.
Hi Ferne, They were almost all sold, but like you I just can’t imagine taking apart such lovely pieces. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.