BATH – The works of quilt artist Penny Ackley will be displayed with quilts by other members of Art Quilts Maine in a show open to the public at the Chocolate Church Arts Center from July 31 to Sept. 11.

Ackley, of Monmouth, has been recognized for her imaginative depictions of ordinary objects using fabrics, including a recent quilt of Cumston Hall in Monmouth.

Art Quilts Maine is a group of more than 40 fabric artists who meet regularly to support one another in their exploration of art quilting. They also promote the understanding, appreciation and recognition of contemporary quilters in Maine through sharing of resources, demonstrations and through workshops and exhibits such as the one to be held at the Chocolate Church.

Each artist will exhibit several quilts. Some of the pieces will be included in Art Quilt Maine’s group showing of quilts with themes. One group of quilts features all members’ responses to the theme of “Passions,” and the other group is in response to a “Quotation” chosen by the guild member.

Art quilts are generally recognized as true contemporary art works exploring the full range of the visual arts: painting, printing, photography, graphic design, assemblage and sculpture.

Art quilts, however, still retain their relationship through choices of material or technique to the traditions of the folk art quilt from which they derive.

Founded six years ago as a chapter of the Pine Tree Quilters’ Guild, intended for art quilters from the entire state, Art Quilt Maine fabric artists meet Saturdays every other month in Augusta to share ideas and to learn from one another.

The group has previously held a show in Kennebunkport and has regularly exhibited as a group at the annual Pine Tree Quilters’ Guild state shows.

Gallery hours are noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, followed by a slide lecture, “The Rise of Quilt Art,” by Maine quilt artist Dianne Hire.

Admission for the lecture is $5 in advance or $7 at the door. Tickets may be obtained at the Chocolate Church, 798 Washington St. Contact the Chocolate Church at 442-8455 or e-mail [email protected] for details.

Kate Cutco, former chapter president, is coordinating the show for the Art Quilts Maine Chapter and may be reached at 666-3162 for information.