Quilt created by Jill Kertulla. Image courtesy of GSMNP.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is hosting a live art demonstration on Sunday, October 18 at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Artist in Residence, Jill Kertulla, will create a non-traditional quilt inspired by the park landscape. She will also give a demonstration at Oconaluftee Visitor Center on October 20. Both events will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Visitors can observe the non-traditional fiber artist at work using her background in graphic design, photography, traditional quilting, and garment-making as she creates a quilt in the style of “plein air” - where the image is created outdoors while looking at the scene that is being depicted. Visitors can interact with Kertulla as she works on the Great Smoky Mountains inspired quilts.

“While working at the park, and being inspired by its beauty and history, I am creating finished pieces, finding inspiration, and taking photographs to be used in future work,” said Kertulla. “It is both the small details and textures of the natural world, as well as the vistas of the park, that influence my work.”

Kertulla, of Charlottesville, VA, is a member of the McGuffey Art Center along with several fiber art groups. While in the Smokies, she is also participating in several activities at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts who is providing studio space for her residency.

The Artist in Residence program is possible due to support from Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and collaboration with Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts. To learn more about the program, please visit the park website.