Nancy Blake, Programs

Nancy Blake has been sewing since the age of 11 when her grandmother gave her a new Singer sewing machine.  She had her first commissioned quilt when she was in high school by a very supportive neighbor.  Since that time, she has been actively involved in fiber arts and the support of arts in education and our communities including, the development and organization of a fiber guild, quilting guild, art agency, a 15-year juried annual fine craft show, and other exhibitions etc.  Commissions over the years from individuals, restaurants, libraries, organizations and public buildings in both quilting and stained glass art forms has kept her life very busy. 

 She has lived in Wisconsin all of her life, with most of her years in the Madison area and in Northern Wisconsin where she received a BS Degree in Textiles and Design and a Masters Degree in Education from University of Wisconsin.  Since she returned to Madison, 8 years ago she has become a member of MadCity Quilters, and is currently employed full-time at University of Wisconsin-Madison as a Senior Outreach Specialist in the School of Education.  Her projects have included Annual Conferences on Arts, Curriculum, and Community including Personal Expression Through Quilts.  These projects sponsored by UW-Madison are a collaboration with the Wisconsin Arts Board with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

 The involvement with WQI will give Nancy the opportunity to share her expertise in program development, the motivation to complete some of her UFOs, and the chance to meet more quilters with common interests.  Thank you.