The Marley Berger Gallery

"The Art of Contemporary Quilts"

Klaus Kallenberger, who is best known for his metalsmithing and works of gold and silver, explores a new medium with this exhibit rich in design, now on display through April 6th in The Marly Berger Gallery.

“Designs not even your Granny woulda thoughta” is how Kallenberger describes his current exhibit, where he demonstrates his dedication to the fine art of quilting and applies the lessons of design to his fabric works.

Kallenberger, who retired from MTSU's art faculty in 2002 after 36 years of service, says that upon his retirement he found himself with a bit of spare time on his hands. Hence, in his quest to fill some of his extra time, he purchased a quilt at a flea market in need of repair.

Instead of hiring someone to oversee the quilt's needed work, however, the nationally recognized metalsmith artist decided to try his own hand at the task, with basic quilting suggestions from his wife, Joanne, and his own research. Thus, from this project, Kallenberger says found himself designing and constructing his own quilts with intense dedication.

Regarding the creation of each of his quilts, Kallenberger—upon completion of a basic design or schematic—says he makes a full-size mock-up of the quilt. Next, considerable time is spent in fabric shops looking for material that will meet his concept, then the work in progress is taken to the cutting room, where Kallenberger cuts and assembles each piece.

Finally, when the piece is completed to designer's satisfaction, “it’s off to one of the extraordinary quilters” with whom he works to finish the piece, per his instruction.

Admission to exhibits at the Marly Berger Gallery is always free. The gallery is open 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.