Leadership & Advisors

The International Quilt Museum's leadership team is led by Executive Director Leslie Levy and includes members with skills and backgrounds in textile history, art, museum studies, design and other specialties. The leadership is complemented by the energy and efforts of several other individuals within the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Foundation. Advisory groups include experts from around the world.

Leadership

Leadership
Leadership

Executive Director

Leslie C. Levy, J.D., was named the Ardis & Robert James director at the International Quilt Museum in 2014. Her leadership journey began early as a year-long Rotary scholar studying in Japan at the age of 18. This unique experience led to a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from the University of Nebraska. After earning her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska's College of Law, Leslie worked in both private and public service. As Chief of the Consumer Protection & Antitrust Division for the Nebraska Department of Justice, Leslie gained extensive legal and real-world experience as she honed the skills required to manage teams, work under deadline, balance budgets, and find creative solutions to diverse challenges. Extensive public speaking and building constituencies were skills Leslie developed as her career progressed. What started as a curiosity about one of America's iconic storytellers, manifested itself into the opportunity to lead the internationally acclaimed Willa Cather Foundation and provide the opportunity to grow an international organization as well as broaden Leslie's skillset in academia, networking, outreach and fundraising. Leslie's unique international and work experiences chartered the course towards the International Quilt Museum (IQM). An opportunity not-to-be-missed, Leslie jumped at the chance to lead the world's preeminent quilt museum. Quilts have enabled Leslie to experience many diverse cultures as she has traveled the world in service to the IQM, its members, scholars and visitors. The museum's advancing trajectory under her leadership is the result of focus on a myriad of inter-related goals: • Open the museum to a diverse spectrum of quilt artists and makers; quilt collectors and enthusiasts; scholars and historians; • Introduce the museum, its collection and programming to global audiences; • Build a world-renowned collection, along with the resources to properly steward it for generations; • Advance the mission and outreach of the Museum to inspire its future audience through partnerships and programs with public school K-12 students, varied disciplines on UNL’s campus and other regional universities. Leslie's leadership and work experiences dovetail with her dedication to volunteerism and involvement with organizations such as: • Member, First Plymouth Congregational Church, 1996 – Present; Diaconate Board, 2009-2012; 2014-2017; Sunday school teacher, 2008-2010; Named Notable Woman 2010 – First Plymouth Church • Member, Leadership Lincoln Executive Series XXXI • Member, Rotary Club 14, 2014 – Present; Chair, Member involvement, 2017; Chair, Salute to Business Committee 2017-18; Member Salute to Business Committee, 2016 – present; Board Member, 2018-2020; Member, P&E Committee, 2018-19. • Member, Junior League of Lincoln - Board of Directors: Marketing Vice President, 2003 – 2005, Scribbler Editor, 2002-2004; Sustainer Co-Chair, 2009-2011 • Member, Lincoln Tennis Association Board – President, 1998-1999; Committee Member, 1996 - 2002 • Member, Nebraska Bar Association, 1995 – 2014 • Appointed to Commission on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, Nebraska Supreme Court, 2008 - 2014; Voted Vice-Chair, 2010
Leslie Levy
Executive Director

Curator of Collections

Carolyn Ducey is the Ardis B. James curator of collections at the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She oversees new acquisitions and ongoing care of the museum’s collection. She has curated a number of exhibitions, including "Chintz Appliqué: From Imitation to Icon” and “The Collector’s Eye: Amish Quilts from the International Quilt Museum Collections," and co-curated “Quilts in Common,” the inaugural exhibition of Center’s new museum. She is also author of the monograph Chintz Appliqué: from Imitation to Icon, (2008), co-author of What’s in a Name: Inscribed Quilts (2012), and a contributing author of Wild by Design: Two Hundred Years of Innovation and Artistry in American Quilts (2003). She co-edited American Quilts in the Industrial Age: 1760-1870, released by University of Nebraska Press in 2018. Ducey earned a Masters of Arts in American art history from Indiana University in 1998, and her doctorate in Textiles, Clothing & Design, with an emphasis in quilt studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2010. Her research focused on 1840s chintz appliqué signature quilts made in the Delaware River Valley.
Carolyn Ducey
Curator of Collections

Curator of International Collections

Marin F. Hanson is the IQM’s curator of international collections and is responsible for building and interpreting the museum’s non-Western collection. She earned her Master of Arts in museum studies and textile history from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and her PhD in museum studies from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. Her doctoral research focused on cross-cultural quiltmaking practices, with particular emphasis on China and the United States and more specifically, quilts made for Chinese adoptees. Hanson has curated a variety of exhibitions, including "Quilts in Common: Around the World and Across the Centuries," "Getting to Know You: Highlights from the IQM Collections," and "Abstract Design in American Quilts at 50: Journey to Japan." She is co-editor of "American Quilts in the Modern Age, 1870-1940" (University of Nebraska Press, 2009), editor of "Abstract Design in American Quilts at 50" (IQM, 2021), and project curator for the IQM’s “World Quilts” website (worldquilts.quiltstudy.org) and contributor to several of its modules. Hanson has been a curator at the IQM since 2001.
Marin Hanson
Curator of International Collections
Sarah Walcott portrait
Sarah Walcott portrait

Collections Manager

Sarah Walcott is the International Quilt Museum's collections manager. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in textile history with a concentration in quilt studies from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Before joining the team full time, she interned at the museum in collections, exhibitions and education since 2014. As collections manager, her responsibilities include accessioning and deaccessioning objects, preparing objects for photography, preparing and receiving shipments, processing loan agreements and contracts, maintaining the IQM database and other functions to preserve the museum's collection.
Sarah Walcott
Collections Manager

Collections Assistant

Jamie Swartz is the Collections Assistant at International Quilt Museum. He holds a Bachelors of Art in Art History from Minnesota State University-Moorhead and a Master of Art in Material Culture and Textile Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. As the Collections Assistant, Jamie assists in the accessioning recent acquisitions, care of the collection and photography. Jamie holds the unique distinction of having worked in three different departments at IQM: Collections, Exhibitions and Operations. Before joining the IQM staff full-time as Collections Assistant, Jamie worked in Exhibitions where he assisted installation, built mounts and designed lighting.
Jamie Swartz
Collections Assistant

Curator of Exhibitions

Camilo Sanchez is the curator of exhibitions at the International Quilt Museum. He holds a BA in Industrial Design from the Xavierian University of Bogota (Colombia) and MA in Museology from the University of East Anglia (UK). Since 1999, he has worked in museums and cultural centres as exhibition designer and museum consultant. He has developed projects in several museums around Colombia and abroad and before moving to Lincoln he was responsible for the complete renovation of the National Museum of Colombia. He is often invited to be guest lecturer of exhibition design and museology at several Colombian universities, has been Secretary and Vice President of the Board of ICOM (International Council of Museums) Colombia and Colombian correspondent of FIHRM (Federation of International Human Rights Museums).
Camilo Sanchez
Curator of Exhibitions

Assistant Curator of Exhibitions

Katie Francisco is the International Quilt Museum’s Assistant Curator of Exhibitions. She is responsible for the production and installation of exhibitions based on the IQM collections, and for research and disseminating results of research through publications, exhibitions, lectures or other venues. She holds a Master of Arts in Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design with dual concentrations in Costume History and Fashion Design from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from Asbury University. Her most recent project was Under the Sheltering Palms: Vacation Culture and Dress in 1920s and 1930s Florida.
Katie Francisco
Assistant Curator of Exhibitions

Education Coordinator

Lindy graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Art Education. She has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Doane. Lindy joins IQM after eleven years as a teacher at Sheridan Elementary School in Lincoln. She is excited to collaborate with our Lincoln community to bring exciting events and activities to the museum!
Lindy Clausen
Education Coordinator

Communications Coordinator

Jackson holds a BA in Journalism and Communications from Utah State University with a minor in political science. He graduated from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2010. Jackson joined IQM after serving as city editor of The Herald Journal — a small, regional newspaper in northern Utah. Prior to that role, he worked as a reporter primarily covering crime and courts while also producing features for Utah Public Radio, Salt Lake City Weekly and Utah State Magazine as a freelancer in the Beehive State.
Jackson Wilde
Communications Coordinator

Operations Manager

Ruth Loberg serves as IQM's Operations Manager. Ruth earned her Bachelor’s in Family and Consumer Science Education with a History Endorsement, plus a Master’s degree in Social Studies Education both from UNL. Prior to accepting her current position, she has been a catering supervisor, classroom teacher, executive coordinator for Habitat for Humanity, and owner/operator of a childcare center.
Ruth Loberg
Operations Manager

Operations Assistant

Jeanie holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University. She joins the International Quilt Museum after working at the LUX Center for the Arts as the manager of the Gallery Shop. Prior to her role at the LUX, Jeanie worked in the fashion industry as a modeling scout helping identify modeling talent across the United States. In her spare time, Jeanie creates jewelry mostly out of deconstructed, vintage pieces.
Jeanie Krejci
Operations Assistant

Office Assistant

Rachel Sullivan serves as the office assistant at the International Quilt Museum where she assists the operations team in daily tasks, correspondence, and membership services. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UNL from the Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design department as well as a minor in art history. She was a long-term volunteer at IQM before joining the staff and has previously held positions at the LUX Center for the Arts, the Sheldon Museum of Art, Oregon State University, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
Rachel Sullivan
Office Assistant

Visitor Services Coordinator

Caroline manages the front desk of the museum and ensures a pleasant experience for all visitors. She graduated in December 2022 from UNL with a BA in Communication Studies. She most recently was an intern at the College of Law and while in school, worked in New Student Enrollment as an International Welcome team member helping international students transition to living in the US.
Caroline Abels
Visitor Services Coordinator

NU Foundation Director of Development

Barbara Kohler is the Director of Development for Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska Foundation. Born and raised in Lincoln, Barbara attended Lincoln Southeast High School and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, majoring in English with a double minor in French and Art History. She received her master’s degree in English at Creighton University. Prior to starting at the Foundation last December, Barbara worked at the local commercial art gallery Kiechel Fine Art as the gallery executive for seven years assisting in facilitating art sales, proposals, marketing, appraisal valuations, exhibition installations and communications with patrons and artists. She also has a certificate from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in Marketing and PR.
Barbara Kohler
NU Foundation Director of Development

Advisory Board

Advisory Board
Advisory Board

California

Nancy Bavor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the History of Textiles/Quilt Studies emphasis. Her Master’s thesis explores the origins and development of the art quilt in California. She joined the staff of the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles in 2013, serving as Curator of Collections and Exhibits Coordinator, and as Director from 2017-2021. In 2018, she co-authored the book "Art Quilts Unfolding: 50 Years of Innovation" and co-curated the accompanying exhibition "Layered & Stitched: Fifty Years of Innovative Art," that has been on exhibition at various venues nationwide. Bavor has served on the Boards of Studio Art Quilt Associates and the Quilt Alliance and is a currently is a Board member of the American Quilt Study Group.
California
Meg Cox portrait
Meg Cox portrait

New York

Meg Cox is a journalist and thought leader on quilting and traditions who lectures at guilds, shows and museums. Her popular newsletter Quilt Journalist Tells All! features news, reviews and monthly giveaways. As a Wall Street Journal staff writer for 17 years, her beats included philanthropy, publishing and the business of the arts. She has contributed articles for many national magazines, and is the author of the bestselling resource guide The Quilter’s Catalog. She is past president of the Quilt Alliance, a national nonprofit established in 1993 with a mission to document, preserve, and share our American quilt heritage by collecting the rich stories that historic and contemporary quilts, and their makers, tell about our nation’s diverse peoples and their communities.
New York

Texas

Teresa Duryea Wong is a lifelong writer and communicator. She holds a Master of Liberal Studies degree from Rice University and in recognition of her academic research, was named the ‘Faith P. and Charles L. Bybee Foundation Scholar’ by the Bybee Foundation and the Texas Quilt Museum. Teresa began her career as a television journalist and spent several years as the publisher of a fine art magazine. For two decades, she worked in public affairs and became Vice President of Communications for a large corporation. In addition to being an accomplished quilter and author of four quilt-history books, Duryea Wong frequently lectures to quilt guilds across the U.S. and Canada. Public service is also a core value for Duryea Wong. A former Texas Representative for Studio Art Quilts Associates (SAQA), she is currently a volunteer for the Social Justice Sewing Academy. During her corporate years, Duryea Wong served on many boards: Girls Scouts of San Jacinto Council; The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra; YMCA of Greater Houston Camping Services, as well as being a former volunteer for United Way of Greater Houston, Habitat for Humanity, and Junior Achievement.
Texas

Virginia

Lisa Ellis is a dedicated quilt artist, teacher, and lecturer whose passion for quilting extends beyond the artistic realm. With a passion for making a positive impact, Lisa frequently shares her expertise in healing quilts, inspiring fellow quilters to contribute to the improvement of health care centers and hospitals. Her leadership has included prestigious institutions such as Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the University of Michigan, Auburn University, National Institutes of Health, and INOVA Fair Oaks Hospital. Currently, Lisa plays a pivotal role in the Arts and Healing initiative at the Schar Cancer Institute at INOVA Fairfax, where she serves on the Executive and Art Selection committees. Her commitment to the transformative power of art in healing is evident in her leadership and on-going contributions to healing-related installations. As the former president of the non-profit organization Sacred Threads, Lisa directed a biennial exhibition that celebrated the profound themes of spirituality, joy, inspiration, healing, grief, and peace/brotherhood through heartfelt quilts. While the exhibit has transitioned from the Washington DC area, Lisa remains integral to its legacy, serving as treasurer and mentor to a new leadership team while facilitating the exhibit's relocation to Indianapolis. Lisa's diverse background includes advanced degrees in Math and Computer Science, coupled with a 23-year career in the defense and information technology industry. Her roles as an engineer, project manager, and executive provided a foundation for her subsequent venture into the non-profit sector. Since her retirement in 2003, Lisa has directed her energies toward volunteer work and her deep-seated passion for the arts. In 2010, Lisa founded Giving Back Technology, a tech company that offers information technology services to non-profit museums, galleries, and other art organizations. Committed to supporting the non-profit world, she has served on the boards of directors for quilt-related organizations with crucial missions. Lisa served as the former President of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) and currently lends her expertise to the board of the Quilt Alliance, embodying her dedication to the intersection of art, technology, and philanthropy.
Virginia

Kansas

Carlene Hall has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. She has served on a number of boards and has been a volunteer in many of organizations. Carlene is interested in making quilts and supporting those who love the process and appreciate the art form. As a new member of the International Advisory Board, she consider herself a representative of those who visit the museum to learn, to be inspired and who leave wanting to create.
Kansas

Nebraska

I have multiple roles at UNL's Global Studies. The first role is serving as the Assistant Professor of Practice, second is Assistant Director, and third (for now) is Academic Advisor.  In addition to teaching GLST 201: Introduction to Global Studies and GLST 494: Capstone, I also lead a number of special topics courses abroad.  So far I've taken students to Belize, Belgium & Netherlands and India.  I also help students with scheduling their classes, graduation plans, academic standards, career advisement, college and university requirements, policies and procedures, and many other questions regarding their major/minor in Global Studies. I am also responsible for helping schedule events for Global Studies and I welcome any ideas you may have.  I am originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina and I moved to Lincoln when I was in high school. My undergraduate degree is in Anthropology and Philosophy from Hamline University in St.Paul, MN. While in college I studied abroad four times and fell in love with travel and study. After college I spent a year teaching English in Japan with JET Programme and got to travel Southeast Asia extensively. My love of travel, cultures, and global issues led me to complete a Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology at University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.  My dissertation titled "Women Living Islam in Post-War and Post-Socialist Bosnia and Herzegovina" was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my academic career.  As you can see, my research experience and interests are centered around religion, Islam, women and gender, post-conflict development and non-governmental organizing. I specialize in Eastern Europe, but my research interests extend to Middle East, Asia and North Africa.  When not at work (or working on my courses towards another advanced degree, Masters of Business Administration right here at UNL) I enjoy bike riding, gardening, and reading.
Nebraska

Massachusetts

Ralph James is Executive Director of External Relations at Harvard Business School. He is responsible for development and alumni relations activities for HBS. Prior to taking the External Relations role, Ralph was the Executive Director of Executive Education at Harvard Business School. He was responsible for the management of the School’s open enrollment and custom executive education programs. James attended the College of Wooster in Ohio and received his BA from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1977. He received his MBA from Harvard in 1982. Over the next 15 years, he held several different positions at HBS in the areas of Executive Education, MBA admissions, major gift fundraising, finally serving as Associate Dean and Senior Executive Officer under Deans McArthur and Clark. In 1996, James left HBS to join the First Marblehead Corporation, as Chief Marketing Officer, becoming Chief Operating Officer in 1998 and President in 2000 prior to the company going public in 2003. In 2005, Ralph stepped down from his role as Vice Chairman to return to Harvard Business School. James and his wife Janice have three children: Greg, Katie and Becca.
Massachusetts

Virginia

Chawne Kimber is a textile artist who mainly stitches quilts and embroidery that are shown in museums, galleries, and festivals all over the world. Through cultivation of cotton in rural Alabama, some of her ancestors (unwillingly) participated in building the United States. Inspired by quilts made by these ancestors in the late 1800s, Chawne interprets traditional patchwork forms in an improvisational style and indulges in community and social dialogue in quilt form. When not manipulating cotton, Chawne is a professor of mathematics and a chief academic officer at a small liberal arts college in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Virginia

California

Roderick Kiracofe, in his four plus decades of involvement with quilts, is the author and publisher of many acclaimed books about America's quilts. In addition, he has collected; curated exhibitions; helped to form and place quilts into corporate, private, and museum collections; and has consulted in the field. He collects fine art and anonymous photography, enjoys traveling, and loves tending his garden at the home he shares with his husband in Sonoma County, California.
California

Japan

Ryoko Kobayashi pursued her artistic education at the Fine Art Department of the Cornish Institute of Allied Art in Seattle, focusing on painting. Her experiences encompass approximately 15 years split between the United States and Europe. Ryoko also dedicated her skills to the Japan Handi Craft Instructors Association (JHIA), where she served as the leader of the quilts and general crafts division. At present, she successfully owns and manages the Janus Creation Gallery Cafe Studio in Tokyo. Moreover, Ryoko Kobayashi holds the esteemed position of Regional Representative for Japan with Studio Art Quilts Associates and serves as an Advisory Board member at the International Quilt Museum. She is also an Associate Member of the Modern Arts Association in Japan.
Japan

India

Amit Kumar Jain is an independent art and culture manager with previous experience and expertise in museum and collection management, auctions and appraisals, gallery strategies and acquisitions, as well as private collection management. Previously, he has been the Head of Exhibitions at the Museum of Art & Photography (MAP), Bengaluru; Associate Vice President at Saffronart, New Delhi/Mumbai; Director-Special Initiatives at The Savara Foundation for the Arts, New Delhi and Head of Programs at The Devi Art Foundation, New Delhi. With pronounced cognizance of modern, contemporary art and the living traditions from the Indian subcontinent, Jain’s curatorial visions embrace inclusive subtleties pertaining to arts. He was invited to curate the third edition of the Colombo Art Biennale in 2014. Some of his important curatorial projects include ‘Reading Room,’ a multi-venue book art exhibition in 2014-16 and ‘The Artist as Activist’ at the Broad Art Museum, Michigan, USA in 2016. Some of his recent curatorial projects include the Platform section at India Art Fair in 2021, in addition to multiple exhibitions for private galleries. Jain holds an MA in Museum and Gallery Practice from University College of London and double undergraduate degrees: BFA from College of Art, New Delhi and B.Com from University of Delhi . He has previously served on the advisory board of the Nepal Arts Council and Colombo Art Biennale. He actively engages with and supports the emerging artists from the Indian subcontinent and is currently a jury member for The Arts Family Award, London.
India

Portugal

Gul Laporte’s interest in patchwork and quilting started when she moved to Houston, Texas in 1982. Her first teacher was Jewel Paterson, Karey Bresenhan’s mother. In 1986 she moved to London (UK) with her family. She taught patchwork and quilting in Europe until 2000 when she returned to live in France after spending 30 years abroad. In 1996 she wrote a book in French (Patchwork d’hier et d’aujourd’hui) and in 2000 a book in English (Quilts from Europe, C&T Publications). In 2000 she started writing articles for a French magazine (Magic Patch) and working as a consultant for the European Patchwork Meeting. She continues writing articles for Quilting Arts Magazine featuring international artists on demand. Her skills in many languages, enable her to communicate easily with many different people; she speaks fluently French, English, Spanish, Greek, and Portuguese. Her new activities didn’t let her much time to continue making quilts for herself. She started enjoying discovering new talents and renowned artists, visiting exhibitions, comparing different styles and cultures; she also successfully found sponsors for EPM. In 2015, when the management of EPM changed, she decided to quit her job with that organization. Gul served for 2 terms (6 years) at the advisory board of the International Quilt Study Centre and Museum, Lincoln Nebraska, which she enjoyed thoroughly. She is currently the international global exhibition coordinator for SAQA (Studio Art Quit Associates) and a member of its board until Spring 2020 when she will complete her 2 terms of 3 years each; she also serves also in different SAQA committees. She enjoys her “half retired” life in Portugal; she is not ready to retire completely from the Quilting world where she meets so wonderful people and become friend with so many talented artists.
Portugal

Executive Director

Leslie C. Levy, J.D., was named the Ardis & Robert James director at the International Quilt Museum in 2014. Her leadership journey began early as a year-long Rotary scholar studying in Japan at the age of 18. This unique experience led to a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from the University of Nebraska. After earning her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska's College of Law, Leslie worked in both private and public service. As Chief of the Consumer Protection & Antitrust Division for the Nebraska Department of Justice, Leslie gained extensive legal and real-world experience as she honed the skills required to manage teams, work under deadline, balance budgets, and find creative solutions to diverse challenges. Extensive public speaking and building constituencies were skills Leslie developed as her career progressed. What started as a curiosity about one of America's iconic storytellers, manifested itself into the opportunity to lead the internationally acclaimed Willa Cather Foundation and provide the opportunity to grow an international organization as well as broaden Leslie's skillset in academia, networking, outreach and fundraising. Leslie's unique international and work experiences chartered the course towards the International Quilt Museum (IQM). An opportunity not-to-be-missed, Leslie jumped at the chance to lead the world's preeminent quilt museum. Quilts have enabled Leslie to experience many diverse cultures as she has traveled the world in service to the IQM, its members, scholars and visitors. The museum's advancing trajectory under her leadership is the result of focus on a myriad of inter-related goals: • Open the museum to a diverse spectrum of quilt artists and makers; quilt collectors and enthusiasts; scholars and historians; • Introduce the museum, its collection and programming to global audiences; • Build a world-renowned collection, along with the resources to properly steward it for generations; • Advance the mission and outreach of the Museum to inspire its future audience through partnerships and programs with public school K-12 students, varied disciplines on UNL’s campus and other regional universities. Leslie's leadership and work experiences dovetail with her dedication to volunteerism and involvement with organizations such as: • Member, First Plymouth Congregational Church, 1996 – Present; Diaconate Board, 2009-2012; 2014-2017; Sunday school teacher, 2008-2010; Named Notable Woman 2010 – First Plymouth Church • Member, Leadership Lincoln Executive Series XXXI • Member, Rotary Club 14, 2014 – Present; Chair, Member involvement, 2017; Chair, Salute to Business Committee 2017-18; Member Salute to Business Committee, 2016 – present; Board Member, 2018-2020; Member, P&E Committee, 2018-19. • Member, Junior League of Lincoln - Board of Directors: Marketing Vice President, 2003 – 2005, Scribbler Editor, 2002-2004; Sustainer Co-Chair, 2009-2011 • Member, Lincoln Tennis Association Board – President, 1998-1999; Committee Member, 1996 - 2002 • Member, Nebraska Bar Association, 1995 – 2014 • Appointed to Commission on the Unauthorized Practice of Law, Nebraska Supreme Court, 2008 - 2014; Voted Vice-Chair, 2010
Executive Director

Illinois

Bradley Mitchell’s formal education is centered around marketing, management, events and branding. Mitchell is originally from the historic spa town of Ilkley, England — an area of rich textile heritage and still home to the looms of British tailor Thomas Burberry and the UNESCO world heritage site of Saltaire. Mitchell joined the industry in 2014 and is the Chief Operating Officer at Aurifil Threads, an Italian company, famous worldwide for the manufacture of Egyptian cottons. Mitchell currently resides in Chicago, IL.
Illinois
Elisabeth Nacenta-de la Croix portrait
Elisabeth Nacenta-de la Croix portrait

Switzerland

Elisabeth Nacenta-de la Croix finds her inspiration in the images registered by her memory during her daily walks in parks or along the Leman’s lake, from images from TV programs or from magazines. It is not about reproducing a pattern, but it is a kind of personal and expressive language mixing sewing, embroidery, painting, collage… She focus since several years now on nature especially on the water, its movements and reflections which are always the same but every day different; the change in continuity is for her a continuous source of wonder. In her landscapes, she only uses squares and rectangles cut and settled in an intuitive way. The composition and the surface arrangement are the record of her daily mood and reflect her conscious and unconscious emotions. It is her fantasy which decides of the colors and the light which intensity and tone give life to the whole design. She mainly uses hand dyed or painted fabrics and batiks, so strong with their shapes, shades and so vivid colors; she adds details with screen printing or any other mixed media, then works on texture with threads, wool or whatever she has, and finally concentrate on the embroidery always done by machine. Born in France but living in Switzerland for many years now, she traveled to many countries for her studies or for holidays and got influenced by different atmospheres. She won the JHIA Price in 2013 as well as many others and her work is often selected for important shows; she was the coordinator in 2004 for a selection of works from the french part of Switzerland to be exhibited in Canada and in 2011 she was President of the Jury for the Carrefour Européen du Patchwork challenge "Tangled". Member of SAQA since 2001 she has been Rep for the Europe/Middle East Region and is now a member of the Exhibition Committee. Elisabeth also belongs to the Swiss Guild group PatCHquilt as well as to France Patchwork.
Switzerland

New York

Deborah Semel Bingham is an educator at the independent Dalton School in New York City. A quilter since childhood, she wrote her master’s thesis on incorporating international quilting traditions into social studies curricula. Currently serving on the executive board of the New York Metro Mod Quilters Guild, Deborah is keenly interested in the conversation between traditional and modern quilting. She holds a B.A. in Art and History from Brown University and, prior to teaching, worked for many years as the U.S. head of marketing and public relations for the Paris-based French fabric firm, Pierre Frey S.A. Her lifelong passion for textiles and handwork makes it an honor to serve on the Museum’s board and support its mission.
New York

Fellows

Fellows
Fellows

Fellows comprise the academic governing body for the International Quilt Museum. Fellows include scholars presently holding appointments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who are concerned with the past, the present, and the future of quiltmaking traditions worldwide and with those who have practiced the tradition. Candidates for this status must be nominated by a Fellow and must present evidence of a research, teaching, or public service commitment to the preservation of the tradition. Fellows are elected by a majority vote of the Fellows.

  • Carolyn Ducey, curator of collections, International Quilt Museum
  • Mary Ellen Ducey, associate professor and Special Collections/Archives librarian
  • Marin Hanson, curator of international collections, International Quilt Museum
  • Margaret Jacobs, professor of History
  • Jeannette Jones, associate professor of History, Ethnic Studies
  • Wendy Katz, professor, School of Art, Art History and Design
  • Matthew Sontheimer, assistant professor of Art, Art History and Design (Painting)
  • Sandra Williams, associate professor, School of Art, Art History and Design
  • Kenneth Winkle, professor, History

Associate Fellows

Associate Fellows
Associate Fellows

Associate Fellows include persons not presently holding regular appointments at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln who have a professional interest in the purposes and program of the Center. Associate Fellows are invited to attend all special programs and exhibitions sponsored by the Center, but are not expected to attend an annual meeting.

Associate Fellows may serve as internship supervisors for students and may serve as adjunct members of a graduate student's reading committee. Associate fellows must be nominated by a Fellow. The nominator must present evidence of a research, teaching or public service commitment to the mission of the International Quilt Museum. Associate Fellows are elected by a majority vote of the Fellows, but do not have voting privileges.

  • Katherine J. Adams, quilt curator, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History at The University of Texas at Austin
  • Jacqueline Atkins, chief curator, Allentown Art Museum
  • Lynne Z. Bassett, independent curator and author, Ware, Massachusetts
  • Linda Baumgarten, retired curator of costume and textiles, Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
  • Nancy Bavor, curator of collections - San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
  • Kathryn Berenson, author, Paris, France
  • Janet Berlo, professor of art history, University of Rochester
  • Barbara Brackman, independent curator, author and scholar, Lawrence, Kansas
  • Linda Arthur Bradley, professor, Washington State University
  • Glen Brown, professor of art history, Kansas State University
  • Pauline Burbidge, artist, Allanbank Mill Steading
  • Dorothy Caldwell, artist, Hastings, Ontario
  • Denise Campbell, associate vice president for student affairs, ethnic studies faculty, Cal Poly State University
  • Xenia Cord, independent scholar, Kokomo, Indiana
  • Geraldine Craig, associate professor of art, Kansas State University
  • Patricia Crews, professor emeritus, Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design

  • Raymond Dobard, professor of art, Howard College
  • Judy Elsley, professor of English, Weber State University
  • Sandi Fox, independent curator/author/scholar, Los Angeles
  • Annette Gero, associate professor, University of New South Wales
  • Laurann Gilbertson, textile curator, Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum
  • Jennifer Goldsborough, museum curator and adjunct professor, Sotheby’s Institute of Art and The New School for Design
  • Beverly Gordon, professor emeritus, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • Virginia Gunn, professor, University of Akron, Ohio
  • Colleen Hall-Patton, lecturer, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
  • Marilyn Henrion, artist, New York City
  • Bernard Herman, George B. Tindall professor of American studies, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
  • Mark Hinchman, emeritus professor of Interior Design, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  • Jonathan Holstein, author/independent curator, Cazenovia, New York
  • Laurel Horton, folklorist/independent curator/author/consultant, Seneca, South Carolina
  • Michael James, professor emeritus, Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design
  • Mary Anne Jordan, professor, University of Kansas Lawrence
  • Stacy Kamehiro, assistant professor, University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Lisa Kriner, associate professor of art, Berea College
  • Bridget Long, visiting research fellow in history at the University of Hertfordshire
  • Marsha MacDowell, curator of folk arts, Michigan State University Museum
  • Terrie Hancock Mangat, artist, Valdez, New Mexico
  • Susan Marks, independent scholar, England
  • Carolyn Mazloomi, artist/author, West Chester, Ohio
  • Ronald Naugle, professor emeritus of history, Nebraska Wesleyan University
  • Aimee Newell, director of collections,Scottish Rite Masonic Museum
  • Alden O’Brien, curator of costume, textiles and toys - DAR Museum
  • Thereza Oleinick, associate professor of theatre, Auburn University
  • Ellen Oppenheimer, artist, Oakland, California
  • Margaret Ordonez, professor, University of Rhode Island
  • Dorothy Osler, independent scholar and author, Northumberland, England
  • Rachel Pannabecker, director, Kauffman Museum, Bethel College,
  • Cynthia Prescott, assistant professor of history, University of North Dakota
  • Sue Prichard, curator of decorative arts, Royal Museums Greenwich
  • Jane Przybysz, director, McKissick Museum of Art
  • Kari Ronning, emeritus research associate professor, English

  • Clare Rose, lecturer, Royal School of Needlework
  • Joy Saville, artist, Princeton, New Jersey
  • Judy Schwender, retired curator of collections, National Quilt Museum
  • Marilyn Serraino, associate professor of humanities, College of Mount Saint Joseph
  • Lynn Setterington, artist and senior lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University
  • Robert Shaw, independent scholar/author, Shelburne, Vermont
  • Sandra Sider, consulting curator, Texas Quilt Museum
  • Janneken Smucker, assistant professor of History, West Chester University, PA
  • Marybeth Stalp, department head/ professor of Sociology, University of Northern Iowa
  • Alison Stewart, professor, Art and Art History
  • Patricia Stoddard, independent scholar, author, Provo, UT
  • Diane Vigna, professor emeritus, Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design
  • Maude Wahlman, Professor, University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • Merikay Waldvogel, Independent curator, author, lecturer, Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Janice Wass, Curator (Retired), Illinois State Museum
  • Linda Welters, Professor of Textile and Costume History, University of Rhode Island
  • Jenny Yearous, Curator of Collections, North Dakota State Historical Society
  • Shelly Zegart, Author, collector, founding director of the Alliance for American Quilts