Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women
On view through August 26

In the late nineteenth century, Amish women adopted an art form already established within the larger American culture and made it distinctly their own. Explore the creative practice of these quilters in the United States in the exhibition Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women, on view for a limited time at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Look beyond quilting as a utilitarian practice. The vibrant quilts in Pattern and Paradox reveal historical quilting among the Amish as an aesthetic endeavor that walked a line between cultural and individual expression. The quilts paradoxically twin the plain with the spectacular, tradition with innovation, and a dismissal of personal pride with objects often seen as extraordinary artworks.

Explore Amish Quilts at SAAM

Did you know SAAM has the largest collection of Amish quilts of any art museum? Discover this stunning collection with professor of history Janneken Smucker as she guides you through the tradition and artistry of the Amish quiltmaking practice. Smucker explores how the quilts, which were pieced together with precise skill by women artists for everyday use in the home, became celebrated art objects in the mid-twentieth century.

The collection is featured in SAAM’s exhibition Pattern and Paradox: The Quilts of Amish Women, which celebrates a major gift of Amish quilts to the museum by Faith and Stephen Brown. In this video, hear from the Browns as they discuss their collecting journey, which spans more than 50 years and 130 objects.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum is able to create and share experiences like these thanks to funding from generous supporters like you. Thank you for ensuring that American art is available to all. Donate to support SAAM.