Jane Sassaman has lived an artist’s life since graduating college in the 70s. Despite her current success, she and her husband, film editor and director Gregory Gantner, were struggling artists for years. In a recent interview, Jane told me about her artist journey, teaching philosophy, and the vibrant world of quilting she sees today.

Jane’s nature designs are abstract, unlike Morris’ more literal depictions. Large, bold prints that create a strong visual impact characterize her fabrics and quilts. She creates art from nature, emphasizing shapes, colors, and patterns over realism. Her vibrant and contrasting colors, paired with rich textures and patterns, are unmistakable. 
Jane linked the Arts and Crafts movement’s focus on personal expression to today’s individualistic values. She believes that people today seek to express their identities through their surroundings, much like the craftspeople of the past.
The Arts and Crafts movement (late 1800s-early 1900s) championed handcrafted, useful objects over mass-produced ones. The later Studio Craft movement focused on artists’ individual expression and creativity within traditional craft techniques.

Jane Sassaman's quilts Alchemy, Lively Totem, and Bleeding Hearts.

Transitioning to Quilting

After college, Jane’s artistic work explored jewelry and fabric design. While working as a visual merchandiser for Crate & Barrel, she explored Chicago during her lunch breaks. She attended a show at the Contemporary Art Museum where she had a lightbulb moment that changed her life. She discovered the Pattern and Decoration movement. It ignited her passion for quilting, leading her to create her first quilts. Jane describes the process as both a personal exploration and a rebellion against minimalist art trends of the time.
“When I saw that work, I thought, ‘Oh gosh, I think I’m going to fit in this world somehow.”
Since then, Jane has created hundreds of quilts. Her quilt “Willow” received the designation of One of the One Hundred Best American Quilts of the Century. Sassaman’s three design books are Patchwork Sassaman Style, The Quilted Garden, and Color My Garden.

Teaching Quilting and Community Engagement

Jane shares her knowledge and passion for quilting with others in her classes where she encourages students to explore their own artistic styles. She commented, “The goal is not to encourage people to make quilts that look like mine. . . But to have people discover the shapes and color combinations that appeal to them, to discover their own symbols, the things that say something about them and what they’re thinking.”
Jane experiences great joy from the community of quilters. She believes quilting is not just about creating beautiful pieces but also about fostering a sense of community among artists. She loves the camaraderie of quilters, noting that the quilting community is supportive and collaborative. She explained, “Quilters are just great people.”
It’s that camaraderie that gets her through the slog of traveling. She said, “Sometimes, when I’m grumbling about going to O’Hare again–because there is no good day to go to O’Hare–once I get there, they’re happy to see you and you’re happy to see them and share ideas and the camaraderie in the classroom is awesome. . . To be in a room full of like-minded people and the conversation just bounces all around the room and nobody’s grand standing or anything. To me that’s just delightful. It’s invaluable. I love those discussions and the talks around the dinner table.”

Jane Sassaman at the Estelle Center

The last time Jane was in La Veta was for an episode of the Quilt Show, hosted by Ricky Tims. Our founder, Jennifer Peterson bought Ricky Tims’ building and turned it into the Estelle Center, so it will be a return visit for Jane.
Jane’s retreat at the Estelle Center in August will guide participants in creating a unique “Totem of Life” quilt through a 5-day immersive experience. Students will learn to make nature-themed fabric collages, mastering appliqué, color, and a unique quilting style.
Jane Sassaman’s journey as an artist and educator is a testament to the power of creativity and community in the world of quilting. Her passion for art, teaching, and individual expression inspires many. We invite you to join us at the Estelle Center for Creative Arts to learn from Jane and explore the vibrant world of quilting together.
For more information about Jane’s classes and upcoming events, please visit our website and follow us on social media. Come celebrate quilting and the connections it creates.