Lovin' Lincoln - A Japan and Texas meet up

For decades, I slaved away working for others. Nothing there truly made me jump for joy. Today, I am totally jumping for joy! I was invited to present a lecture, sign books AND share the ticket with Shizuko Kuroha at the International Quilt Study Center & Museum, in Lincoln!

Setting up for my lecture at the International Quilt Study Center and Museum, Lincoln, Nebraska. April 1, 2016

Gift Shop - view from above.

Here's an aerial view of the books set up for the book signing - both mine and 2 books by Shizuko Kuroha. When I arrived - and saw my book set up there - I was trying to act all professional... when I'd rather run around and have a Steve Martin moment  .... "I'm somebody. My name is in the phone book..."

Marin Hanson, Curator of Exhibitions, introduced my lecture.

The amazing Shizuko Kuroha, was the featured speaker. Her solo exhibition - "Blue Echoes" - is on view now. 

I'm so proud to be on the same ticket as Kuroha san... but it's also special to share this moment with her because I've had two interview/studio visits with her during my past two trips to Japan. She will be featured in my second book --- which I am working on now! It was so cool to see my new friend here in Lincoln!

Shizuko Kuroha and Teresa Duryea Wong. International Quilt Study Center & Museum. 2016.

Shizuko Kuroha, "Poetry in Indigo III" Antique cotton. Hand quilted. 1988. IQSCM's April 2016 Quilt of the Month.

I also brought my Japanese-inspired quilts to show during my lecture. Can you imagine the intimidation of bringing your own quilts to a quilt museum? Geez... these don't really belong here... but I think of them as bringing a bit of the 'common woman' quilts to mecca. A dose of the real world. And unlike the extraordinary quilts in the galleries, you can touch my quilts, and photograph them.

Last but not at all least, I had some very special family and friends attend!

My Aunt - Polly Duryea, PhD - retired Peru State College (Nebraska) faculty, and Katy Ramos, my cousin. Polly was one of the "readers" for my first book and she has had a big influence on my life.

Long time family friends Jack Cooper and his sister Virginia (on left) and a friend.

My cousin Cathy Duryea (right) and her mom, Mary Rose.

All in all, I have to say, that was a pretty great day!