Sara Drower, a former biology teacher (University of Illinois), is still teaching by drawing and painting beautiful botanical subjects. After teaching, Drower created detailed watercolor and ink drawings. Experiments led to working on fabric, creating quilted clothing. Next, Drower made large wall quilts based on the classic grid format. Now, she explores rich floral detail through highly magnified and richly embroidered miniature quilts, which invite a closer look and appreciation of nature. Drower’s work has been exhibited in numerous museums, including the Smithsonian, Illinois State Museum, Newark Museum, Minneapolis Museum of Art, in gallery shows, and is included in many permanent collections.

White Peony
$275

Cotton, dyes
Dye painting and drawing, machine quilting and embroidery

I love the coloring, pattern, design and form of fruit, vegetables and flowers. For years I created large wall quilts using these images; now I love the detail in one magnified image. I sew, using multicolored thread embroidery, emphasizing line, movement, form and texture; it is like painting with a sewing machine!