Fanciful scenes from Israel’s iconic kibbutz appear in fabric in “A Century of the Kibbutz” at the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto.
The exhibit displays 21 colorful works, all hand-stitched by members of the Israel Quilters Association. The quilts reflect each artist’s interpretation of kibbutz life.
Curated by Simcha Moyal of Clay-Artisan in Palo Alto, the exhibit reflects both past and present. “Today most of the kibbutzim have become privatized, ushering in a new era of the modern kibbutz, combining economic efficiency with social values,” she writes in a curator’s statement. “In this ‘new kibbutz’ there is more exposure to the competitive values of capitalism, reflecting broader patterns in Israeli culture and development.”
The nonprofit Israel Quilters Association has approximately 300 members; the kibbutz collection was first displayed in March at the San Francisco Quilters Guild show at the Concourse Exhibition Center.
“A Century of the Kibbutz” opened May 9 and will be on display through July 3 in the lobby of the Goldman Sports and Wellness Complex at the JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. For additional information, visit www.paloaltojcc.org.