Having been quilting for 20 years, Terry Lynn Bouvier is showcasing her work at the Kerry Vickar Centre's Sherven-Smith Art Gallery. (Rachel May/northeastNOW Staff)

By Rachel May

Local Artist

Local artist shares her passion for quilting

Jan 31, 2023 | 1:00 PM

Melfort is celebrating a local artist with a quilt exhibit at the Kerry Vickar Centre.

Terry Lynn Bouvier has been quilting for 20 years and is now sharing her love of quilting by having her work showcased at the Kerry Vickar Centre’s Sherven-Smith Art Gallery in February.

Bouvier told northeastNOW her drive to share her craft started when she had children.

“I was a mom with four kids under the age of Grade 1 and my neighbour said you need an evening off,” she said.

She explains that it is a humbling experience to be able to share her work with the community and receive such positive feedback on something that brings her joy.

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“Hand quilting is relaxing for me. Whereas most people just [say] ‘Are you crazy?’ But it’s also like inspirational when you’re making something.”

If you are checking out the exhibit, Bouvier said the paper piece elephants are worth noting.

“It’s the first paper piecing that I’ve done and I machine quilted it which normally I just hand quilt things. It’s just a special piece,” she said.

Also displayed will be Bouvier’s first-ever piece she made when she began her journey into quilting.

For pieces with more of a Northeast feel, you can check out the old blue quilt that features the old truck that her parents had while she was growing up.

“It’s got pictures of my parents in the house I grew up in and my grandparents’ big red barn. It’s kind of like that heritage piece,” she said.

Inspiration for the quilts comes from a variety of sources. Bouvier has participated in seven different quilting guilds. She said inspiration comes from those around her.

“You learn a lot from your other quilt members and get inspired that way,” she said.

Not only is she continuing to quilt, but she is also taking a class to begin the process of making her patterns.

Although some of her quilts are sold to those who enjoy them, certain quilts already have a special destination in mind such as her I Spy piece.

“That will eventually be one of my grandkid’s quilts but I don’t have any grandkids yet,” she said.

For young quilters hoping to get into the craft, Bouvier said the first step is to meet others who share the quilting passion.

“There’s a guild here in Melfort. There’s a quilt store in Nipawin, which all have really friendly people and they’re all great,” Bouvier said.

Between balancing her passion and a full-time job, one of the biggest tips she offers is to carve out a few hours every day to hone your skills.

Not only does she share her passion through this exhibit but Bouvier also donates her time and completed work to help support causes in the community.

“I donated a quilt to MUCC for their green game. They’re having a basketball game to bring awareness for men’s mental health,” she said.

The draw date for the quilt is Feb. 16 during the green game.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM