Lincoln South Rotary Club heard from Leslie Levy of the International Quilt Museum on May 29, 2026.
Leslie provided a beautiful slide show of images of the International Quilt Museum displays.
She shared that the legacy started when Nebraska natives Ardis and Robert James began collecting quilts in the 1970s. They worked with experts to develop their collection with an eye for beauty as well as posterity.
The James collection started with traditional American quilts but grew to include other types of quilts, including art quilts.
They collected for decades and ended up with more than 1,000 quilts and wanted to find a permanent home where they would be preserved and shared. They donated their quilts to establish the International Quilt Study Center at UNL in 1997.
Through private funding, UNL opened the Museum in 2008 on UNL's East Campus. It is a great way to continue the focus of Ardis and Robert James - to preserve and introduce people from the around the world to this form of art.
Per Leslie, "We achieve this by cultivating and caring for our collection and sharing it with the world through exhibitions displayed at the museum and in galleries around the world."
We were told that the Museum plans to completely reinstall the museum in 2026. They have over 11,000 items in their collection. Leslie stated that the depth and breadth of the collection makes this museum unique. They are known for their extensive antique and traditional collection. There are pieces representing 65 different countries.
As a museum, they strive to have diverse exhibitions at all times. Leslie said they try to include international, contemporary quilts, antique and modern/art exhibitions at all times. The exhibits are designed to educate and inspire.
Leslie stated that we all have a connotation of the definition of quilt. That makes a difference in what we will experience when we visit the Museum. The traditional quilt from years ago is no longer the only "type" of quilt. So when we go to the museum what we experience is influenced by our connotation.
She showed us a sample of what is called BOLO - a Japanese term for mending - using and reusing. It looks like mended denim. There is an exhibit for that particular quilt style at the museum.
There are Art quilts. In some cases the artist would create a small art piece as a "template" then create the quilt from there. Leslie said that they are so intricate that you may feel like you are looking at a painting.
Leslie shared that the Museum is a community space - they have rented their space for events and hold some regular activities. They hold First Friday every month - First Fridays, Sewing Saturdays and after school sewing class.
We also learned about Textile Talks - a weekly presentations and panel discussions from the International Quilt Museum held online on Wednesdays at 1 PM Central time.
BIO
Leslie C. Levy, J.D., was named the Ardis & Robert James director at the International Quilt Museum in 2014. Her leadership journey began early as a year-long Rotary scholar studying in Japan at the age of 18. This unique experience led to a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from the University of Nebraska. After earning her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska's College of Law, Leslie worked in both private and public service, including Chief of the Consumer Protection & Antitrust Division for the Nebraska Department of Justice, the Willa Cather Foundation, and now with the International Quilt Museum.
Leslie is a member of Lincoln Rotary Club 14.