Lori Sebastian, ACSWF Delegate
Lori is a 2024–2025 AQU delegate to the Arts Council of Southwest Florida (ACSWF).
Lori’s Story
I grew up in a family of quilters and creatives. My mom taught me to sew when I was young, and it was a good thing because my legs and arms were already much longer than ready-made clothes could fit. In 4-H I sewed a purple plush winter coat with white pile lining and got a purple ribbon at the Iowa State Fair.
I took a few art quilting classes while working and thoroughly enjoyed making a fabric collage. Once I retired, I became a member of the Textile Center in Minneapolis, a vibrant national center for fiber art. I’m currently on the board of the Minnesota Contemporary Quilters and a member of Wearable Arts Midwest. I’ve never made a traditional quilt but instead love improv (no rulers allowed). My favorite wearable art project was a denim vest made with my dad’s shirts and my brother’s blue jeans.
My husband is on the board of a non-profit in North Ft. Myers, so we have a seasonal home here. I was thrilled to learn about AQU and meet such a wonderful, talented, welcoming textile community to enhance my life in Florida.