The McLean Textile Gallery is a 501(c)3
charitable organization and does not
take commission from the artists.

Complementary Curves is an exhibition combining the bold, abstract textile works of Audrey Esarey and Kelly Spell, which feature curved lines and circular shapes. Drawn to dynamic color combinations that emphasize contrast in value and hue, Audrey and Kelly strive to push the boundaries of quilting past a singular, repeating block motif. Their work, while modern and contemporary, leverages techniques grounded in the tradition of quilted textile art.

 

Working independently in a series, their exploration of curved designs produced numerous iterations of their original inspirations, resulting in a complementary collection of compositions that celebrate color and shape. This joint exhibition is a reflection of Audrey and Kelly’s artistic journeys, which currently follow a similar path despite their separate beginnings. Each artist’s work, while different, shares some of the same creative DNA.

About the Artists

Audrey Esarey is an award-winning textile artist and designer based in Louisville, Kentucky. A lifelong creative, she began quilting in 2005. Since then, her art quilts have been honored with awards in many national and international shows, including Quilt National ‘21, Houston International Quilt Festival, American Quilter’s Society - Quiltweek Paducah, and The Modern Quilt Guild’s QuiltCon. Audrey’s academic and professional background in finance and project management is reflected in her structured geometric designs, precise piecing, and dense quilting. She shares her creative process online at www.cottonandbourbon.com.

 

 

Kelly Spell is an award-winning quilter living in Hixson, Tennessee. Her abstract modern quilts have been featured in numerous publications, shows, and museums around the world, including the National Quilt Museum, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, and the Asheville Art Museum. Her work is also included in the permanent collection of the Tennessee State Museum. Known for creating bright, bold quilts, Kelly is a self-taught fiber artist who started sewing in 2014 at the age of 33. Currently, she is exploring abstract curves and precision piecing.