“The Art of the Quilt”, a solo exhibition by quilt artist Marie Henry at the Old Forge Library
The Old Forge Library is pleased to present an exhibition of quilt artistry by Marie Henry, “The Art of the Quilt,” on display from June 5 through June 28.
The exhibit’s opening reception will be held on Thursday, June 5 from 5-7 pm. The reception is free, and the public is invited to attend. Meet the artist, enjoy light refreshments, and view Marie’s striking quilt creations.
Marie Henry has been an artist in one form or another for as long as she can remember. Her earliest craft memory involves making dolls from chestnuts and forest-found materials in her native Massachusetts. At age 12, she was introduced to needlework by her great-aunt Viola, who taught her to sew by hand and machine, knit, crochet, sew buttons, and blind hems. That Christmas, Marie received her first sewing machine, a gift that would set the stage for a lifelong passion.
Initially focused on clothing, Marie developed a unique style that blended preppy and hippy aesthetics.
At 20, she created her first quilt as a wedding gift, followed by baby quilts for friends and family. Despite the demands of full-time work, parenting two children, and managing a household, quilting remained a creative outlet.
In 2005, she purchased Cazenovia Fabrics and transformed the bridal fabric store into a vibrant quilt shop. There, she discovered a natural talent for combining colors in unexpected yet stunning ways.
After moving to Boonville, NY in 2012, Marie found new inspiration in her home studio, a cozy, heated space in a pole barn on her property. She now spends most days sewing in that space, often working without patterns, letting color guide the process.
In 2024, Marie launched a new series titled “A Year of Scraps,” an organic project built quilt-by-quilt, starting with a single block and expanding outward—freeform, intuitive, and bursting with color.
Everyone is invited to attend the June 5th reception and experience the artistry, creativity, and story stitched into every piece.
