Nancy Crow quilt art classes
Nancy Crow quilt art classes
Nancy Crow quilt art classes
Nancy Crow quilt art classes
Nancy Crow quilt art classes
Nancy Crow quilt art classes

Nancy Crow

For over 40 years, Nancy has been teaching contemporary quilt making as an art medium. She finds teaching to be both a very creative experience and up-lifting. One of her consistent goals has been to help students find a path through roadblocks to a more flexible way of approaching composition. Composition is the focus of all of her workshops in which she proceeds sequentially from beginning to very advanced composition while at the same time introducing many wonderful techniques that can be used in machine-piecing. Nancy promotes machine-piecing as one of the most important ways to work as a quiltmaker, paralleling it to oil painting. Among other awards, Nancy was selected for two national honors: Fellow of the American Craft Council, New York City, and National Living Treasure by the Museum of World Cultures at the University of North Carolina. The National Living Treasure Award honors Americans who work in traditional handicrafts. In addition, she has won many Individual Artist's Fellowships from The Ohio Arts Council. She has lead art tours to Peru, Mexico, South Africa, France, and Guatemala, and has authored or edited twelve books & catalogues including: Color Improvisations 3; Drawings: Mono-Prints and Riffs; Self-Portraits: Mono-Prints; Circular Abstractions: Bull’s Eye Quilts; Color Improvisations 2; Color Improvisations 1; Crossroads: Constructions, Markings & Structures; Nancy Crow; Nancy Crow: Improvisational Quilts; Gradations: From the Studio of Nancy Crow; Nancy Crow: Work in Transition; and Nancy Crow: Quilts and Influences.
Nancy’s 2-week classes:

  • • October 3-8 & October 10-15, 2027 | NEW! Creating Compositions using Sets & Variables

    Open or Close
    NEW! Creating Compositions using Sets & Variables
    • Level: Intermediate to advanced
    • Prerequisite: Free-hand cutting skills/good machine-sewing skills
    • Sewing machine:     Yes
    • Materials fee:     No

    Tuition & Meal plan for 2-week class with Nancy:
    • $3200 | paid in full before April 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($2500) & Meal plan ($700)
    • $3250 | paid in full before June 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($2550) & Meal plan ($700)
    Stacks Image 30035
    DESCRIPTION
    • This 10-day class has been specifically developed for students desirous of understanding that compositions can be born from SETS & LIMITS + VARIABLES.

    Students will be asked to focus and use specifics that include:
    • IMAGINATION
    • PLAY
    • DISCOVERY

    Small to medium size compositions will be emphasized so that students can produce more while gaining:
    • a better understanding of composition based on “setting limits”

    In addition, students will be required to step outside their comfort zone and be far more experimental as they work through design exercises developed to promote the creation of ideas using geometric ELEMENTS.

    Students will be expected to work spontaneously and intuitively with nontraditional quilt-making techniques as they explore design exercises that promote improvisational approaches to composition without benefit of “pre-planning” and “intellectualizing.”

    Students will be working in SOLID COLORS the entire 10-days. Color, and the values of color, from light to dark, will be emphasized in all exercises so a great selection of colors must be brought to this workshop.

    If students want to learn to work more effectively, more efficiently from “instincts” and “intuition” they must come with an open mind and no agendas, ready for growth and for risk-taking!



    PRESENTATION
    ⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional. The Crow Timber Frame Barn provides use of a digital projector connected to a laptop.
    Stacks Image 30079
    Stacks Image 30081
    SUPPLIES
    • Sewing machine/Bobbins
    • Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
    • Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
    • Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
    • Sharp scissors (medium & large)
    • Extra large rotary cutter and blades
    • Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
    • 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
    • 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
    • Several 40” x 60” batts
    • Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
    • Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
    • Spray water bottle for ironing
    • Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
    • Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
    • Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
    • Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
    • Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
    • Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
    • Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
    • Scotch tape
    • Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)

    Fabrics:
    8 yards or more each of:
    • SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE

    2 yards or more of:
    • GRAYS in 5 value as follows: light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark

    1 yard or more each of:
    • Reds, Pinks, Blues, Teals, Greens, Limes, Violets, Browns, Yellows, Golds, Oranges, Purples, Maroons, Turquoises, Rusts, etc. (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
    • BRIGHTS: Acid yellow, acid lime, hot pink, turquoise, bright orange, bright red-orange, fuchsia pink, really bright blue
    • TANS & OFF-WHITES     (warm white, cold white, cream)


    Note:
    • Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
    • We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
    • DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
    • Do not bring prints.

    Note:
    Any color can be     GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
    • BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
    • GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
    • FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
    • RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.


    NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
    Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be     freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.

    In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.

    About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about     how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!


    Books/catalogues authored:
    • COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
    • DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
    • SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
    • CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
    • COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
    • COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
    • CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
    • NANCY CROW
    • NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
    • GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
    • NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
    • NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES

    Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
    • GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
    • NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
    • NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
    • NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS

  • • October 17-22 & October 24-29, 2027 | Overall & Spare Figure/Ground Composition

    Open or Close
    Overall & Spare Figure/Ground Composition
    • Level: Advanced
    • Prerequisite: Very good skills in free-hand cutting/machine-sewing
    • Sewing machine:     Yes
    • Materials fee:     No

    Tuition & Meal plan for 2-week class with Nancy:
    • $3200 | paid in full before April 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($2500) & Meal plan ($700)
    • $3250 | paid in full before June 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($2550) & Meal plan ($700)
    Stacks Image 30066
    OVERALL COMPOSITION DESCRIPTION
    The focus of this class will be on CUTTING LINE and SHAPE INDIVIDUALLY and then combining them together as PART or PARTS of NEW CONFIGURATIONS in NEW COMPOSITIONS that emphasize specifically the quality of shapes and lines exposed in the backgrounds, whether in over-all composition or spare composition.

    Varying levels of depth will be explored in both the figures and the grounds. Students will come to understand what is meant by creating OVER-ALL COMPOSITIONS as distinct from other types of compositions. Once again, students will learn to work more effectively from instincts and intuition as they sharpen their eye on great figure/ground spacing and tension.



    SPARE FIGURE/GROUND COMPOSITION DESCRIPTION
    This workshop will concentrate on LARGER BACKGROUNDS & MULTIPLE GROUNDS with a much sparer use of FIGURES, both primary and secondary. Students will become more sensitive to the placement of figures on such grounds. The INTENT is to strengthen one’s eye to evermore beautiful spacing which is that “allusive tension” that makes any composition so much stronger. Composition will be explored using the principles of figure/ground. Figure/ground is loosely defined as positive/negative or the relationship of figure or motif or subject matter or configuration(s) on a ground or background.

    VALUE, COLOR and the INHERENT QUALITIES of solid colors … BRIGHT, GLOWING, RELATIVE & FLAT … will be an integral part of this class so students must come prepared in terms of solid colored fabrics that fall into these 4 categories no matter the value:
    • BRIGHTS
    • GLOWINGS
    • RELATIVES
    • FLATS



    PRESENTATION
    ⁃ Optional but important: Each student should come prepared with a 3-6 actual quilts and be prepared to make a short (3-5 minutes maximum) but articulate presentation about their work including future goals. Digital presentation is also welcome if well-prepared and professional. The Crow Timber Frame Barn provides use of a digital projector connected to a laptop.
    Stacks Image 30071
    Stacks Image 30074
    SUPPLIES
    • Sewing machine/Bobbins
    • Size 10 Microtex sewing machine needles
    • Thread (Aurifil is best, size 40 or 50)
    • Digital camera/Printer (Canon SELPHY printer recommended)/Paper
    • Sharp scissors (medium & large)
    • Extra large rotary cutter and blades
    • Rulers (including a small 1” wide x 6” long and a 1” wide x 12” long Olfa rulers … these are indispensable)
    • 24” x 36” OLFA cutting mat (2 of these if driving)
    • 8’ x 8’ Batting/Flannel (white) on which to pin work (optional)
    • Several 40” x 60” batts
    • Clover ball-head pins - very fine (Clover #2507) and regular size (Clover #2501) - two boxes each
    • Swing arm lamp or floor lamp
    • Spray water bottle for ironing
    • Iron/Iron cleaner (optional as Barn has irons)
    • Your own ironing board if driving (optional as Barn has ironing boards)
    • Short (5’ 1/2”) step ladder or step stool if driving (optional as Barn has step ladders)
    • Multiple outlet power strip/Adaptors/Heavy duty extension cords
    • Glue to adhere snapshots into sketchbook
    • Sketchbook (hardcover)/Pens/Other supplies you want
    • Rolls of blue painters tape - 1/4” wide & 2” wide (not masking tape)
    • Scotch tape
    • Packing tape if shipping boxes (plus return labels)

    Fabrics:
    6-8 yards or more each of:
    • SOLID BLACK and SOLID WHITE

    1 yard or more each of:
    • Reds, Pinks, Blues, Teals, Greens, Limes, Violets, Browns, Yellows, Golds, Oranges, Purples, Maroons, Turquoises, Rusts, etc.
    • BRIGHTS: Acid yellow, acid lime, hot pink, turquoise, bright orange, bright red-orange, fuchsia pink, really bright blue
    • GRAYS     (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
    • TANS     (wide range in light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark)
    • OFF-WHITES (warm white, cold white, cream)


    Note:
    • Be sure to wash and shrink all fabrics before class if possible. New fabrics contain formaldehyde which needs to be removed. No need to iron though if you fold at end of drying cycle.
    • We will use everything listed above so do not decide to leave anything out.
    • DO NOT BRING FAT QUARTERS.
    • Do not bring prints.

    Note:
    Any color can be     GLOWING or FLAT or RELATIVE but only a few colors can be BRIGHT:
    • BRIGHTS are super saturated colors with such intensity that they literally stick out in a composition. They command attention. One can find BRIGHTS from light value to just above medium value.
    • GLOWING tones are any colors mixed with yellow and which have a glow coming off the surface.
    • FLAT tones are those colors mixed with black. They emit a dullness and are energy draining with a very subdued nature. Their job is to remain behind more glowing colors.
    • RELATIVE tones are those colors that seem GLOWING when next to FLAT tones … OR … RELATIVE tones can seem FLAT when next to GLOWING tones or next to BRIGHTS. RELATIVE tones are chameleons but serve an important part of great composition.


    NOTES REGARDING FABRIC SUPPLY LIST
    Yes, the rumor is true!!! Yes, I do ask that each student bring lots of fabrics. My personal theory embraces the belief that one will be     freer to be creative if one has many fabric choices available in class. After 45+ years of teaching, I consider each class I teach to be on a graduate level and therefore I expect students to arrive prepared with all necessary supplies.

    In that regard, I have outlined those fabrics we will use in this class. For some students, my fabric supply list will seem overwhelming in quantity and variety, while for other students, the selection they bring will never be good enough.

    About solid colors: the more shades you have to work with, the more you will learn about     how to work with color. Color is Joyous!!! Color does not cause pain!!! Take DELIGHT in color!!!


    Books/catalogues authored:
    • COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 3
    • DRAWINGS: MONO-PRINTS AND RIFFS
    • SELF-PORTRAITS: MONO-PRINTS
    • CIRCULAR ABSTRACTIONS: BULL’S EYES QUILTS
    • COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 2
    • COLOR IMPROVISATIONS 1
    • CROSSROADS: CONSTRUCTIONS, MARKINGS, AND STRUCTURES
    • NANCY CROW
    • NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
    • GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
    • NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
    • NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES

    Unfortunately, the following titles are out of print, but your local library may have them or order on the web.
    • GRADATIONS: FROM THE STUDIO OF NANCY CROW
    • NANCY CROW: WORK IN TRANSITION
    • NANCY CROW: QUILTS AND INFLUENCES
    • NANCY CROW: IMPROVISATIONAL QUILTS
  • • 2027 Fall Art Retreats | Tuition and Meal Plan
    Tuition & Meal plan for 2-week classes with Nancy Crow:
    Both weeks (10-day class) of these workshops are to be taken back-to-back. No registrations accepted for only one week.
    • $3200 | paid in full before April 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($2500) & Meal plan ($700)
    • $3250 | paid in full before June 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($2550) & Meal plan ($700)

    Tuition & Meal plan for 2-week class with Petra Fallaux
    Both weeks (10-day class) of this workshop are to be taken back-to-back. No registrations accepted for only one week.
    Class size limited to 14 students.
    • $4150 | paid in full before April 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($3450) & Meal plan ($700)
    • $4200 | paid in full before June 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($3500) & Meal plan ($700)
    + $60 facility usage fee
    + $30 materials fee

    Tuition & Meal plan for 2-week class with David Hornung:
    Both weeks (10-day class) of this workshop are to be taken back-to-back. No registrations accepted for only one week.
    Class size limited to 14 students.
    • $4150 | paid in full before April 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($3450) & Meal plan ($700)
    • $4200 | paid in full before June 1, 2027 | 10-day Tuition ($3500) & Meal plan ($700)
    + $60 facility usage fee


    Meal plan
    During the art retreats, Margaret Wolf, will prepare fabulous gourmet lunches and dinners plus a coffee/snack break daily during each week of class. The meal plan is provided so participants may concentrate fully on their work without being bothered by the interruption and inconvenience of cooking for themselves. The break times present a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students, share ideas, and just relax together in this wonderful environment.

    The meal plan includes an opening night welcome dinner, five lunches, five afternoon coffee/pastry breaks, and four more dinners during the duration of the workshop. Coffee, tea and water will be served during these break times. Participants are responsible for any other beverage choices, such as soda pop, beer, wine, milk or bottled water.

    Please keep in mind that if anyone chooses not to participate in the meal plan, they are solely responsible for all of their meals, snacks, coffee, tea, and other beverages. The kitchen facilities are reserved for the resident chef. There is a microwave and a refrigerator in the wet studio for student use. Most restaurants are at least a 20 minute drive away from the barn.

    Please note: Due to facility limitations, meal plans are available only for workshop participants.
  • • Accommodations
    Accommodations:

    New hotel Hampton Inn, Canal Winchester, Ohio (20-25 minute drive to Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    This new, highly rated, clean, comfortable hotel is offering reduced rates. Phone: 614-953-2204
    • For special rate, please book online

    The Morgan Theater Home, Baltimore, Ohio (5 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn, mention Crow Barn)
    Former silent movie theater converted into a private residence. Three rooms for rent include free cable TV & free high speed internet access. Kitchen/refrigerator/stove & all "kitchen stuff" available. Phone: 740-862-4765 or Email

    Other accommodations, please negotiate your own weekly rates:

    AirBnB options in the area near the Crow Timber Frame Barn

    City of Lancaster, Ohio (20-25 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    • Holiday Inn Express & Suites, 740-654-4445
    • Hampton Inn, 740-654-2999
    City of Reynoldsburg, Ohio (20-25 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    • Fairfield Inn, 614-864-4555

    Campgrounds near the Crow Timber Frame Barn
    Rippling Stream Campground, Baltimore, OH, 740-862-6065, (5 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
    KOA Campground, Buckeye Lake, OH, 740-928-0706, (15-20 minute drive to the Crow Timber Frame Barn)
  • • Miscellaneous information
    Roommate
    • Please let us know if you would like a roommate. We will try to match you with another participant to share accommodations.

    Travel to and from the Crow Timber Frame Barn
    • The Barn is located near Baltimore, Ohio (southeast of Columbus, Ohio)
    • Please keep in mind that there is not a shuttle service to and from the motels to the farm, therefore please arrange a rental car or carpool with another participant.
    • John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) in Columbus, Ohio, is the major airport serving the area (30 minute drive to the Barn)

    Rental sewing machines, cutting mats & lamps
    • Bernina sewing machines are available for $150 per 10-day class.
    • Cutting mats are available for $30 per 10-day class.
    • Lamps are available for $30 per 10-day class.

    Formal class hours
    • Monday-Friday: 9-12 and 2-5 daily
    (Classrooms are open 7 am-9 pm Monday-Thursday, 7 am-5 pm Friday)

    Professional facilities
    Each student is provided with a large work table, an 8’ x 8’ work wall, and a comfortable chair. Classrooms are well illuminated and are open from early morning until late in the evening, plus the classrooms have air conditioning & heating. The surface design/dye studio at the Crow Timber Frame Barn includes large padded tables, lots of light (natural and color-corrected bulbs), 3 commercial stainless steel sinks, & washer/dryer. All facilities are non-smoking.

    Mailing list
    If you would like to be placed on a mailing list for information about upcoming art retreats, please send your contact info.

    Questions? Email
Images of Nancy Crow, student work and classes at the Crow Timber Frame Barn

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