Steppin' Out

Cover Story

Politics as Unusual

By Heather Zimmerman

Three new shows examining aspects of the political realm run July 17-Sept. 23 at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, 520 S. First St., San Jose. An opening reception takes place July 22, 3-5 p.m.

"Weavings of War: Fabrics of Memory" is a traveling exhibit of folk art pieces, created largely by women from Central and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and South Africa. The works were made using traditional textile arts from these regions, but they depict the harsh realities of modern warfare.

Years of turmoil in Afghanistan have made a mark, literally, on traditional Afghan rug weaving, as explored in "Woven Witness: Afghan War Rugs and Afghan Freedom Quilt." Rugs dating from the Russian invasion of the country through the current war there are included in the exhibit, along with the Afghan Freedom Quilt, a collaborative project in which quilt blocks made by Afghan war widows were assembled by Afghan American women living in the Bay Area.

Reflections on patriotism and the many forms it may take--including some controversial ones--are featured in the variety of textile works that make up "Patriot Art." The exhibit also includes the 9/11 Memorial Tapestry, which brings together weavings from more than 20 countries in honor of those whose lives were affected by 9-11.

Also on July 22, 1-2:30 p.m., the museum will host a discussion, "In Search of the Whole Truth: Afghan War Rugs," with a panel of historians, collectors and refugee agency staff.

Admission is $6.50 adults/$5 students and seniors. For more information, call 408.971.0323 or visit www. sjquiltmuseum.org.