“Quilts look better when you have a lot of them.”

Joanna S. Rose

New Yorker Joanna S. Rose (1930-2021) began buying quilts in the 1950s. She enjoyed searching for bargains at flea markets and antique stores. Mrs. Rose did not consider herself a collector. Rather, she described herself as a “treasure hunter,” saying, “A collector always wants to better a collection. I buy only what I like and for no other reason.”  Joanna Rose particularly liked red and white quilts!

In 2011 Mrs. Rose’s husband, Daniel, proposed a special gift for her 80th birthday – a celebration of the Joanna S. Rose Red and White Collection in an exhibition at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. “Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts,” coordinated by the American Folk Art Museum, featured 651 extraordinary quilts.  

Joanna Rose donated the Infinite Variety quilts in honor of her husband Daniel and their 63rd wedding anniversary.  In the fall of 2021, Mrs. Rose and her family oversaw the transfer of the quilts from their home to the International Quilt Museum.

April 1 - September 10, 2022
West Gallery