Susan Damone Balch

Quilt Artist & Fly Fishing Instructor

About Susan

My mission is to share my passion for the arts of fly fishing and quilting with others.

Artist Statement

Much of my  work is representational and inspired by images from fly fishing and nature.  I also create pieces that are either based on geometric designs or are spontaneous and abstract; using the fabric and color as inspiration, conveying a feeling or idea.  

I use machine techniques to construct my quilts.  I work from my extensive collection of primarily 100% cotton fabrics including many hand painted and hand dyed fabrics.  Ink, paint, applique and embroidery are used sparingly to add details.

Bio

My interest in the needle arts  began when I was a child.  I discovered the art of quilting in 1978.  Over the years I have produced hundreds of quilts, many of which have been exhibited and won awards at shows throughout the country.  I have taught quilting since 1991.

In 1983 my husband introduced me to the art of fly fishing.  I am an FFF certifed fly fishing instructor and have been teaching fly fishing since 1996.  Although I have spent time fishing in many wonderful places, most often I am in pursuit of trout, salmon, or steelhead in Vermont, New York, or Canada.

From 2000 - 2007, I devoted most of my time to Casting for Recovery, a national non-profit organization providing support to breast cancer survivors through fly fishing retreats.  Starting out as a volunteer in 1996, I later became the Program Director on staff which gave me the opportunity to travel all over the country training volunteers, leading retreats, and introducing hundreds of women to the sport. 

In 2007, I decided it was time to turn my attention back to my artwork.  While I am still involved with CFR and teaching fly fishing, I spend most of my time in my home studio these days.  I also enjoy music; listening, singing, playing, and sharing it with others.

I am a member of Studio Art Quilt Associates, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, Trout Unlimited, and the Federation of Fly Fishers.

Recent Exhibits

2008

"Piecemakers: Vermont Country Quilts, 1830 - Present"
Comtemporary Quilt of the Month - November
Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History
Middlebury, VT 

"The Great Outdoors" 2nd Annual Quilt Exhibit
Celebrating Nature with Quilts
Morgan Outdoors
Livingston Manor, NY

Maple Leaf Quilters Festival  of Quilts
Rutland, VT

Quilts & Hooked Rugs Exhibit
Chaffee Art Center
Rutland, VT

2007

Contemporary Vermont Quilters
Shelburne Museum
Shelburne, VT

Selected Exhibits & Awards from 1989 - 1999

1999

Endangered Species Exhibit
New England Quilt Museum

1995 - 1997

Vermont Quilt Festival
Teachers Exhibit

1995

Vermont Quilt Festival
Governor's Award/Exceptional Merit

Quilters Gathering
Honorable Mention - Machine Quilting

Textile Medium
Best Original Concept of Design

Quilting in the Tetons
First Place

1994

International Quilt Festival
Houston, TX
Award of Merit

1993

Vermont Quilt Festival
Judge's Choice

Quilters Gathering
First Place - Excellence in Quilting

1990

Quilters Gathering
Second Place - Excellence in Quilting

1989

Vermont Quilt Festival
Governor's Award

Quilters Gathering
First Place - Excellence in Quilting