Shizuko Kuroha discovered quilting while living in the United States for two years in the 1970s. Upon returning to Japan, she opened a school and organized the Kuroha Quilting Circle. She gives classes once a month in Tokyo and several other Japanese cities. Ever since Kuroha encountered quilting, it has been the center of her life. She is widely considered one of the top Japanese quilt artists. Chic was made as a contribution to the Abstract Design in American Quilts: Journey to Japan exhibition.