For many quilt artists, having a quilt exhibited at the Houston International Quilt Festival marks a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. For me, Same Same Different is especially meaningful. It grew from nearly 20 years of friendship, quilting and family connections between Canada and the United States. Today, with our daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter living in Texas, those connections are even more special.
As snowbirds for almost 20 years, our family has found a second home in Florida. Quilting has given me two wonderful communities: the Kawartha Lakes Quilters Guild in Ontario and the Friendship Knot Quilters Guild in Sarasota, Florida. Both have brought lasting friendships, support and a sense of belonging — along with what some of us might call a quilting addiction!
Over the years, we were often asked, “What differs about quilting in Canada and the United States?”
It was surprisingly difficult to answer. After all, we certainly share so much: a love of quilting, creativity, community and friendship. We gather to learn, create, encourage one another and share our stories.
Maureen McKean’s interpretation of censorship
Same words, different interpretations
Four years ago, a simple question inspired Same Same Different: What would happen if a Canadian quilt artist and an American quilt artist interpreted one word with an original work of art?
We paired 12 Canadian artists with 12 American artists, using 12 shared words. Each artist created a quilt inspired by that word, bringing their own experiences, culture, geography and perspective to the work.
And so, Same Same Different began.
What started as an exploration of similarities and differences took on even greater relevance as the world around us changed. Obviously, the political climate between our two countries has evolved. This added new layers of meaning and invited us to consider how our experiences shape how we see the world.
Quilts have always been more than decorative objects. Throughout history, they have reflected the times in which they were made, telling stories about politics, community, family, values and beliefs. They record important moments and everyday experiences, often preserving stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
Same Same Different continues that tradition.
Mary-Claire Nepotiuk’s interpretation of women’s rights
The Exhibit
Twelve shared words form the foundation of the exhibit:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Censorship
- Climate Change
- Community
- Consumerism
- Environment
- Food
- Feminism/Identity
- Language
- Politics
- Preconceived Notions (quilt at the top of the page by Tania Denyer)
- Women’s Rights
Each word’s interpretation by two artists – Canadian and American – appeared side by side. Look for the maple leaf on the Canadian quilt and the star on the American quilt.
As you explore the exhibit, consider the similarities as well as the differences. How can two artists interpret exactly the same word so differently? And how can people from different countries arrive at remarkably similar ideas?
There are no right or wrong answers. Each quilt reflects an individual’s experiences, beliefs and imagination.
At its heart, Same Same Different invites conversation — to pause, look closely, ask questions and become curious about another perspective. It reminds us that understanding doesn’t require agreement, but it does ask us to remain open to one another.
In quilting, as in life, we may begin with the same pieces, but each of us creates something unique. When we take the time to share our work and listen to one another’s stories, we discover what brings us together.
The Journey Continues – Coming to Ontario in 2027!
Following its premiere in Houston, Same Same Different will hang at the Friendship Knot Quilt Show March 5 to 6. The Canadian premiere will coincide with the Millbrook Needlers Quilt Show, “Piecing Lives Together,” on May 7 to 8.
If your guild would like to learn more or enquire about available dates, contact Leslie Prokop.
We would love to share Same Same Different with quilting and fiber arts communities across Ontario. We are available to guilds interested in hosting the exhibit and bringing these 24 quilts to their own communities. That way, we can share the quilts and artists’ stories, as well as the conversations they inspire.
