Label
From a label on the reverse side of the quilt:
The map shows the trail following the Missouri and the Columbia rivers to the Pacific ocean.
Meriweather Lewis - 30 years old, wore a fur cap with a bill. He carried a spy glass and an air rifle of his own design. He recorded notes on vegetation, animals, and landmarks seen along the way.
William Clark - 33 years old, wore a buckskin shirt decorated with porcupine quills. This shirt was later donated to President Jefferson for his museum. Clark was the primary map maker, using a journal strapped to his leg for constant notations.
Sacagawea - 16 years old, carried her baby son 2000 miles from Fort Mandan in North Dakota to the coast and back again to Wyoming. She was more a translator than a guide.
Scannon - Lewis's New Foundland Dog, made the entire trip; saving lives on more than one occasion.
Fort Clatsop - was built near what is now Astoria, Oregon. It was shelter for the miserably wet winter of 1804 prior to the return trek.
Mandan lodges - (center bottom) were 40-60 feet in diameter and housed extended families. They frequently sat upon the roofs to watch tribal activities.
Teepees - (right bottom) were typical of those built by the Souix and Hidatsa tribes along the Missouri River.Label Type
Artist CommentaryLabel
“The majority of my quilts depict realistic wildlife and include some traditional piecing. Having a deep appreciation of traditional quilting, I try to display an area of piecing within my design. However, I’m first and last an artist who needs to create an original work of art.
“Working with today’s tremendous selection of fabrics stimulates the imagination and makes the creative juices flow. I hope to pass along my love of animals and inspire others to appreciate their beauty through my work. By the end of my quilting days, I would like to have inspired a number of quilters to expand their talents to include not only traditional quilts, but other forms of art.”