Most folks wouldn’t think of heading to Fort Collins for a taste of the tropics, but Colorado State University’s Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising offers a special treat — “Hawaiian Quilts: God in Expression.” The exhibition, ongoing through Aug. 2, features Hawaiian quilts from the Henry and Angela Hite Collection.

Among the most visually striking of all quilt designs, Hawaiian appliqué quilts are unique for their “snowflake” designs. Originally brought to the islands by New England missionaries, these special quilts are imbued with the myths and traditions of the native Hawaiian population, and references to the plant life and mythology of the islands.

Guest curator Elizabeth Akana is one of Hawaii’s premier quilt historians as well as a quilter, teacher and lecturer. As a guiding force behind the Hawaiian Quilt Research Project, which documented hundreds of historical quilts throughout the islands, she has advocated for the preservation of this cultural art form. Her quilts are included in many private and corporate collections and have been accepted in numerous juried and invitational exhibitions.

Related exhibition activities:

• April 13, 5-9 p.m. — Meet guest curator Akana and trace copies of some of the most popular Hawaiian quilt patterns, as well as her personal patterns. Attendees may select and trace three patterns from Akana’s collection. Alphanumeric dotted pattern paper will be supplied. Cost is $10 per person. Call 1-970-491-6648 for reservations.• April 14, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. — Join guest curator Akana for a hands-on sampler block workshop. Each participant will complete a sampler Maile and Ilima Lei block. Included are demonstrations, instruction and “talk story,” integrating the history, the people and the quilting process of this unique art form. An extensive notebook of instruction and patterns will be available for purchase. This workshop is limited to 20 participants. Cost of the workshop is $100 per person, plus an optional lunch. For information, workshop flyer, registration form and supply list, call 1-970-491-6648 or email Megan.Osborne@colostate.edu.

The Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising is part of the CSU College of Applied Human Sciences and in the Department of Design and Merchandising. It consists of costumes, textiles and interior artifacts of the ordinary person representing regional, national and international material culture, including domestic artifacts (primarily 19th- and 20th-century Western costume, textiles and interior artifacts), and global artifacts (international artifacts with emphasis and depth in India, China, Japan, Central Asia and Latin America). Unique among the collections are designer garments, an extensive lace collection and 400 kimono.

IF YOU GO

The “Hawaiian Quilts: God in Expression” exhibition is housed in Room 115 in the University Center for the Arts, 1400 Remington St. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Museum hours are 11 am.-6 p.m. Mondays-Wednesdays and Fridays, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursdays (closed on weekends and national and university holidays). Get information by visiting www.dm.cahs.colostate.edu/welcome/museum/ or by calling 1-970-491-6648.

Fort Collins is known as an “Adventure Casual” destination. With rafting, beer sampling, world class theatrical performances and family friendly activities, it can be as casual or adventurous and you want. Learn more about the city and the area by visiting www.visitftcollins.com.

JOY HARPER, THE GAZETTE

CSU’s “Hawaiian Quilts: God in Expression” exhibition ongoing in Fort Collins through Aug. 2. Photo by Courtesy Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising