BINGHAMTON, NY - “Full-Spectrum: Natural Fibers, Quilts & the Textile Arts” will be on display from September 10 through December 5, 2009, in the Binghamton University Art Museum, located in the Fine Arts building. An opening reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. September 10. Offering a range of movies, lectures, quilt appraisals, workshops and demonstrations, “Full-Spectrum” draws together three exhibits in an exploration of natural fibers and quilts.

• “The Evolution of Natural Fibers” exhibit highlights the wonders of cotton, linen, silk, and wool. This exhibit traces the development of natural fibers from seed and fur to colorful dyed fabrics, rugs, tapestries, garments and other textile arts. This celebration of natural fibers will include free movies, classes, and demonstrations on fabric, sheering, dyeing, weaving, spinning, and quilting. “The Evolution of Natural Fibers” exhibit is curated by Jackie Hogan, assistant director of the Binghamton University Art Museum. The exhibit is supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), who are celebrating 2009 as the International Year of the Natural Fiber.

• “Vibrations: Color Resonance in Antique Quilts, 1860-1940.” This traveling exhibition of Amish and Mennonite quilts from Pennsylvania and Ohio makes its first stop after its debut at the New England Quilt Museum. All quilts exhibited are from the Pilgrim/Roy Collection. “Vibrations” is curated by Gerald E. Roy, a professional quilt appraiser, teacher, author, historian, and quilter.

• “Contemporary Quilt Show.” This exhibit features close to 70 quilts by some of the pioneers and leaders in the field, including Ricky Tims, Libby Lehman, Doreen Speckmann, Ruth McDowell, Caryl Bryer Fallert and Gerald Roy. This element of the “Full-Spectrum” exhibit is curated by Jack Braunstein, director of development of Binghamton University Art Museum, and former editor of Quilting Today and Traditional Quiltworks.

“Full-Spectrum” attendees are encouraged to bring along their cell phones for a free audio tour, which includes hearing the quilters discuss their work.

For a full schedule of “Full-Spectrum” demonstrations, workshops, lectures and appraisals, visit http://www2.binghamton.edu/art-museum/exhibitions/index.html

Regular hours for viewing the “Full-Spectrum” exhibit are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4:00 p.m., and Thursdays, noon to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact the Binghamton University Art Museum at 607-777-2634.