RIVER FALLS - How would you like to fall asleep under a piece of art called Southwest Sunset? Someone from Kinnic Falls will enjoy that privilege. Recall, if you can, the first piece of art that you owned. Maybe it was a receiving blanket. Or maybe, that deeply cherished blanky. It definitely was a piece of functional art.

The current art exhibit at City Hall Gallery is made of this warm heart felt stuff. St. Bridget’s Martha’s Quilt Group shares their mission with their creative homemade quilts. Clearly their mission is Matthew 25: 35-40. Warm quilts stitched to meet real people’s needs. Alongside each quilt is the name of the maker or makers, and whom it is intended. Grace Place, Turning Point, Family Resource Center, Options for Women… the list is very long.

On your wander through City Hall Gallery take note of the care stitched into colorful beauties hanging upstairs. Downstairs, don’t miss the quilted handbags to be sold at Our Neighbors’ Place as replacements for plastic shopping bags. Unique sensory quilts for senior memory care and special kid care hang there awaiting their neuro mission.

In case you really want one of these quilts: Martha’s best quilts are created and saved for local benefits with silent auctions. Watch for events like Our Neighbors’ Place Casino Night, or St. B’s School Gala. Quilts are also donated to private events for individuals struggling from serious illness or loss of a home from fire.

The Martha’s Circle at St. B’s consists of 20 active quilters. Some of them quilting together and some independently. Talent ranges from wannabees to very efficient quilt artists. Martha quilters depend on donations of cotton quilt fabric, threaded yarn, embroidery floss and financial support to purchase batting or supplies they may not have.

The Martha Quilt exhibit will be there through the end of March when The Pollinator Garden Color Contest will replace it.