Austin College hosts art exhibit of Quilts

In addition to a great big lake, the Lake Texoma area is also a cultural center and a leader in education, bringing together the best of resort lifestyle and intellectural fulfillment.  Austin College in Sherman often highlights artist in the community who have gained national recognition for their work. Their newist exhibit brings to Texoma an artist and an educator. 



Debbie Goldsmith

Austin College hosts art exhibit of Quilts
SHERMAN, TEXAS—Austin College will host the exhibit “My Life in Quilts (so far)” by artist Becky Goldsmith in Dennis Gallery of Betsy Dennis Forster Art Studio Complex, February 4 through March 15. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibit is free and open to the public. For information, call the Austin College Department of Art and Art History at 903.813.2048.

Goldsmith is one-half of the design team known in the quilting world as Piece O’ Cake. Along with business partner, Linda Jenkins, Goldsmith has written more than 25 books, designed innumerable quilt patterns, and produced hundreds of original quilt  designs. The duo also has made an instructional DVD.

Goldsmith got her start in quilting many years ago when she made two for her sons’ bunk beds—and found she couldn’t put down the needle. A passion was discovered. Goldsmith and Jenkins met at the Green Country Quilters Guild in Tulsa in 1987. However, the idea for Piece O’ Cake Designs did not emerge until later. In 1994, both women were moving out of Tulsa. As a gift to her friend, Becky designed an original block piece for her going-away quilt. That piece became the first pattern for their business.

The Goldsmiths moved to Sherman where her husband, Steve, joined the Austin College biology faculty. He has served as dean of Sciences since 2007.

“I had had a home-based business making and selling refrigerator magnets for a few years. Linda had owned a beauty shop for 20 years. We each brought different skills to Piece O’ Cake,” Becky said. “We are both creative, and we both make the quilts you see in our books. That said, we work separately and have since the beginning. We live in different states—so it works best that way.”

Goldsmith said the inspiration for Piece O’ Cake quilt designs comes not only from traditional quilts or patterns but also from nature and something as simple as a stack of colorful fabrics.

“It also is true that inspiration can come from deadlines,” the artist said. “I’ve started work on a new book and once I sign the contract I know that one way or another, I will be inspired.”

Goldsmith tours throughout the year, teaching and giving lectures on the art of quilting. She also completes blog entries and a newsletter at pieceocake.comhttp://www.pieceocake.com. More
than 150 patterns later, Piece O’ Cake Designs continues to grow in success.

Austin College is a leading national independent liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas. Founded in 1849, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original charter and name, the college is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA). Recognized nationally for academic excellence in the areas of international education, pre-professional training, and leadership studies, Austin College is one of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives.

By Austin College
Feb 2, 2013

To see more events in the Lake Texoma area visit the Events Page of www.texomaconnect.com.  For learning experiences and activities for kids (from infant to teens) the Kids Korner is a must!  Thinking of moving to Lake Texoma or perhaps a second home for year 'round vacationing?  Real Estate Lake Texoma has a complete list of all homes for sale on Lake Texoma.  If you are visiting the Greater Texoma area there a always fun things to do, browse through TexomaConnect and find activities during your stay.