Creative event inspires community
A folk artist quilter and an author walked into the Russellville Public Library Oct. 24 and inspired many with their work and the tales behind them.
Wanda Robertson, quilter, and Vona Elkins, author, both derive their inspiration from the Bible and the stories and verses therein – and they each said they hope to inspire others through their work.
“I loved the combination of these two and am happy to have this creativity downtown,” event attendee Ann McDermitt said.
Robertson spoke first at the event and showcased some of her quilts while telling the stories and Bible verses that inspired them. She talked about how she uses nontraditional features and methods in some of her quilts and how they represent shared life memories.
Surprised and excited murmurs arose from the audience as she held up one quilt with a brightly colored sunrise background and a farmer with a plow in the forefront.
“I remember how hard my dad had to work, so I dedicated this quilt to him,” Robertson said.
Bible verses like Jeremiah 9:20 and Joshua 24:15 are just some examples of the verses she explained inspired some of her quilts. Robertson said she also has themed quilts, like seasonal and Depression-era designs.
But if someone would like to buy a quilt or special order one, they are out of luck.
“I don’t make them to be sold. I make them because I’m inspired,” she said.
Elkins started her presentation with a monologue from the viewpoint of Ruth, the woman from the Bible who Elkins’ book “Ruth: The Woman Who Found Love in a Barley Field,” is based on. She also sang the song “Whither Thou Goest” before launching into her talk about her writing journey.
“It all started when my editor at Christ of the World Ministries encouraged me to write a book based on the dramas that I had been writing for them,” Elkins said.
She had written five 30-minute dramas about Ruth that have been translated and aired in countries like China, where Christianity is rare. Elkins said she had also written skits and devotionals before attempting this book.
“I’ve always wanted to write a book, but I thought it would be a children’s book. I guess God had other plans,” she said.
She said Ruth is a love story but also a story of redemption and about how women need women. In fact, a woman named Ruth Bochte offered to help Elkins by creating the artwork for the book.
“Only God could choose a real Ruth to illustrate a story about Ruth,” Elkins said.
Elkins said this book, which she self-published through CreateSpace, is her way of leaving something tangible behind as part of her legacy.
“It’s a blessing that God put in my life at just the right time,” she said.
The event ended with refreshments provided by the Friends of the Library group, and attendees were able to speak with Robertson and Elkins, view the quilts and buy Elkins’ book.
