Joe Cunningham, also known as “Joe the Quilter,” began quiltmaking professionally in 1979, under the mentorship of acclaimed quiltmaker Mary Schafer. Cunningham’s quilts have evolved from hand-sewn traditional designs into his current personal style, sometimes made completely by machine. Imaginary State Birds references the many State Bird quilt designs published during the early 20th-century quilt revival. It also reflects Cunningham’s good-humored satire of those ubiquitous patterns. 

Cunningham has written eleven books, including Men and the Art of Quiltmaking (2010), the first book devoted to the subject. He performs his one-man-show based on British quiltmaker Joe Hedley (1750-1826), lectures regularly, and teachers quilt workshops around the country. Image courtesy of Joe Cunningham