December Art in the Library Exhibit

The library welcomes the public to view their December “Art in the Library” exhibit. The Library selected Mary Van Grinsven and Glennes Youngbauer who are both award-winning quilters who call Boulder Junction “home.” Their fiber art quilts will be on display in the Reading Room, above the photocopier and in the Children’s Area during regular library hours.

Mary Van Grinsven began quilting in 1983 when a friend asked if she wanted to take a beginning quilt class together.  Starting with baby quilts and then quilts for every bed in her house, quilting blossomed into a lifelong love of fabric, color and design.  In the early 90’s, Mary began to teach quilt classes  and by 2000, was also teaching color theory classes and accepting commissioned work.  Once every bed was covered (with a few extras in the closet), Mary turned toward creating art quilts and useful gifts for family and friends.

Professionally, Mary was an international gymnastic judge and served 16 years  on the United States executive board for the National Association of Women’s Gymnastic Judges.  Moving six times with husband Greg’s career at John Deere, she was able to share her love of quilting with many others in various parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Mary is currently a member of a local quilt group called the “Material Girls” and enjoys quilting in the Northwoods.  She also leads the artistic efforts at St. Anne Church in Boulder Junction and can be found volunteering in several organizations in our community.

Glennes Youngbauer has been quilting for 30 years; however, she has been sewing since age 8. She has enjoyed creating quilted items for her home, friends, gift items and charitable donations including many made for Season of Life Hospice Care Home.

Glennes has displayed her quilts in American Quilters Society, Paducah; Ky Quilt Show; Rosemont, Illinois Quilt Show; Quilt Expo in Madison, Wisconsin; Marshfield, Wisconsin Quilt Show; Destin, Florida Quilt Show; Ladies of Lakes Quilt Show in Minocqua; and Boulder Junction Library Art Show. Glennes and her daughter, Mikii Lea Opahle, were honored to have a month long “Mother Daughter” Exhibit at the Portage Museum in 2008.

Glennes’ quilts have received many awards for excellence, as well as one of her quilts being selected to be used in an American Quilters Society Quilt Calendar. Glennes is currently an active member of Ladies Of The Lakes Quilt Guild which meets the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at Hiawatha Estate Center in Woodruff.