I love your use of color, sense of proportion and balance, and quiet lack of inhibition. I find your originality and artistic sense especially inspiring and refreshing. P.W.

Your art work was very fascinating. L.A.H.

I liked your artwork very much, I found it very fascinating. C.H.

I thought your art work was very good and I hope I see it again. M.C.

I thought your work looks very unique and you must like buttons. D.C.

My art classes and myself have enjoyed the opportunity to view your work.
C.D. (Bullitt County art teacher)

The exhibition was very nice. I especially liked "The Window". S.H.

Love this place. It's so big and cozy don't change it and this will always be a great place. K.V. 8th grader

This approach to history preservation and art enjoyment is very interesting and lovely. Several pieces bring to mind items of old clothes in my family trunk - but I would have never dreamed of creating such fascinating portraits. Congratulations.
J.T.

I had been looking forward to seeing the exhibit, but I had no idea how unique and lovely it would be. S.L. Eminence Librarian

A beautiful idea! Being a seamstress, I appreciate the work and creativity in your art. Thanks for sharing with us in Shepherdsville. P.W.

I can feel you put a lot of feeling in your work. I could feel the people you thought of in your art looking back at me. C.C.

Very interesting collection. My favorite is "Uncle Bob" he was my real uncle. A.J.

Fan-tab-u-lous B.L.

Thank you for the opportunity to view your works, truly, the Lord has richly blessed you throughout your years here upon this earth. For through you, may other people learn of the past and the ways of there times. You are truly a talented person. Thank you again for sharing your talent with others. May the Lord continue to bless you. B.D.

Enjoyed the exhibit very much. I didn't know Sheep-town had an artist! Congrats. Why not do one of a Bullitt County jail inmate. You could call it ESCAPE ARTIST. P.B.

Enjoyed the exhibit very much. E.B.

Enjoyed viewing your exhibit. L. T.

Very unique. I most liked the period pieces. S.P.H

It's nice to know some one that is as talented as you. Your work is beautiful. M.B. (a neighbor)

Excellent! N.W.
Avery refreshing exhibit. I really enjoyed it. C.P.

I really enjoyed this unique art exhibit. Since I like to sew I enjyed looking at the manu interesting stitches. F.P.

I think the work is beautiful N.J.C.

Dear Alma, I began my love affair with you about 10 yrs. ago when I spent 2-3 hours in the U. of L. bookstore on wildflower dying. The next day I bought the book and have cherished it ever since. Today's encounter was even more exciting than that afternoon 10 years ago. I just love the "Candelabum", "Southern Gothic", the "Sewing Machine Stitchery" and "Uncle Bob Shows His Medals." (especially the worn sleeve) Thank you so much for sharing these treasures with us.
E.P. Instuctor of English
Also wife of a wonderful farmer-Jim & mother of Amy & Mary

Thank you. D.E.

Astounding. A.E.

Unusual. M.B.

Shepherdsville is greatly honored by your presents and imagination.
M.J.D.

Very interesting Enjoyed see it. E.S.

This is a wonderful opportunity to see such a wonderful display of Gods gift to a person that appreciates His gift enough to apply it. This is so fantastic I have no words to tell you how much I enjoyed and appreciated it. I am a (illegible) of 87 yrs.
Mrs. E.W.W., Ohio

What fun! What a delight! Many museums would love to have the opportunity to display your creative art. It is such a joy to see so many colors and intricate stitches, and ideas. Thanks for letting us see your art for it is truly great. M.E.W., Peaceful Valley

What a blessing to be able to share in this. Thank you and God bless.
M. & C.L.

"Interesting." G.P.W.

you had very nice art. anonymous child

Very good. M.E.B.

Very good display. I know several of the people your display represents. I.T. a neighbor

Very good exhibit. i especially enjoyed the old dresses and the stitchery on the Family Portrait and the laying mask. P.K.

Mr. & Mrs. A.M. Your work is very beautiful and painstaking to create. This will no doubt be the art of the future.
Was interesting piece of art we enjoyed it very much.

F.O. Enjoyed your work of art. Hope to see more. May God bless you in all things you do.

Fascinating portraitures...may God bless you. M.Y.

O.D. Pensacola FL. I am so glad I saw your beautiful work. May our Dear Heavenly Father be with always.

all statements appear as written...

I enjoyed it so much. J.A. & N.R.

Marvelous exhibit and I really it. O.S.

Thank you for sharing such beauty to the people of Shepherdsville. God be with you. A.B.

I really enjoyed your exhibit it's new and interesting. S.E.

I enjoyed your exhibit very much you can see the people behind the picture. My favorite is 'Uncle Tom'. M.L.

So beautiful. I wish I could have been at the program to meet you personally. L.L.

Thanks for sharing your wonderful talent. V. J.

Viewingyour art opens up new places in my mind. I'll be back to look again. M.H.

Mrs. Stottman's explanations were very thoughtful & I was grateful she took the time.


These works certainly inspire one to search our own treasures and try our hand at preserving our precious memories. J.C.

A very interesting artistic that every child should see to appreciate art. T.E.

I especially enjoyed viewing all of the old clothes. They are displayed just beautifully. S.E.

T though your exhibit was just fascinating. i especially liked the dresses in the clothes section. They all were just magnificent. R.E.

Very interesting and unique. Also very inspiring. N.F.

I enjoyed the exhibit it was very nice. I really liked it. A.N.

I liked it and also the same thing Angie wrote. T.L.


The work is very interesting, knowing 'Uncle Bob' I enjoyed that very much. M.J.D.

I enjoyed seeing your work. It showed me a side of art that I didn't know existed. It must be wonderful to be blessed with such creativity. C.S.

Very much enjoyed your work. I found it very interesting & different. R.L.

Your work is very beautiful and very interesting. Keep up the good work. P.H.

Thank you very much for sharing your work with the people of Bullitt County. They can be very proud of you. B.B.

A treat that country people seldom get; to view work as you have it here. Oh! the stitches and creativity of your things here. M. & J.M.

Enjoyed seeing the exhibit very much. J.E.

From one who feels she has no artisitc talents, I truly enjoyed your showing of your talents with the public A.O.

The moment I seen your exhibit I was truly amazed, for your work is definitely a delight to see. I enjoyed it most of all because it brings back the memories in the past and memories are always cherished. J.K.O.

I enjoyed seeing the work of an old friend. A.L.T.

Beautiful work- Wish I could do it. W.B.

Your work is very unique and quite interesting. I enjoyed the exhibit. T.C.


You have an amazing talent! Such Beauty! I really enjoyed it. E. K.

Very good depth & perspective. Love the multilayered look. A.M.J.

A new idea of art for us. P.B, L.D.

Very much enjoyed your exhibit at Ridgeway. It's beautiful, amazing. S.J.

Your exhibit is perfectly amazing! As a needlewoman I am impressed- as a person with no artistic ability, I am delighted. Thank you for sharing it with us.
C. B.

So good to have this for the people of Bullitt Co. to see and appreciate, thanks!
R. L.

So glad to see all your wonderful work. I really enjoyed each piece.
T. B.

It is so nice to have someone with your talent who lives in our county.
M. F.

Some great & unusual ideas I wouldn't had thought of. Very nice & painstaking work.
A. R.

Wonderful works. Appreciate your talent.
M. C.

Good, unique hangings. Thanks.
L. L.

I have enjoyed your art very much.
T. F.

I love your art.
M. L. C.

Outstanding, courageous, unique, beautiful. Thank you.
D. P.

Many thanks for sharing this evening with us. I thoroughly enjoyed your show. I admire your work.
M. L. S.

You, your art, your talk have been among the most exciting and refreshing things I've encountered in Bullitt County. I'll always treasure memories of this exhibition. Thank you.
M.M.P

This art exhibit is absolutely one of the most fascinating displays of an individual's personality and expression of oneself.
I am glad you are you.
C. P. S.

The stories that represented the cloth stitchery was wonderful. A help in understanding fine art.
W. S.

It is good to be able to reflect on this past and see it in reality.
G. R.

This art exhibition is great. Thanks for sharing with us.
N. M. S.

I really enjoyed seeing this exhibit. It was a new experience for me. This type of art. It was beautiful. Thank you.
D. C.

I just loved all your exhibits. They were all wonderfully creative, I wish I was as talented. Good luck in your future projects.
M. M.

Fantastic, always refreshing... an inspiration for the soul and spirit. Thanks.
D.J. S.

Beautiful work, wonderful to be blessed with such talent.
A. J. H.

Very nice exibit. I really enjoyed the stories associated with the way they were put together.
C. W.

What an exciting opportunity for the people of Bullitt County to enjoy the works of such an outstanding artist! We're proud of you!
S. R. M.

I really enjoyed it.
M. K.

I think that it is very kind for you to give Bullitt Countians a chance to see your art.
L. K.

The show was our all of us are very proud. The artist is the greatest and we do appreciate both the artist and the show.
I. C.

Very beautiful work, very informative and entertaining. We enjoyed it.
B. & E. B. (Henry County)

This has certainly been a highlight for me since our return to Bullitt County. Bill Quick and I taught together and I was particularly interested in the items she contributed to such artistic endeavors.
J. S.

I'm proud to have been part of the "friends" this last year. Everything was beautiful here tonight. A. L. did a good job.
D. H.

I am so proud to be in the same county as you and Ted. You have always been a plus that never had the recognition here at home you should. This has been long overdue. Affectionately.
E.S. & S.G.

What a joy to see & hear about your talent.
M. E. F.

I've enjoyed the explanation of your artistic stitchery examples. Thank you for talking to us.
K. H.

Your exhibit was lovely I really enjoyed it.
S. D. T.

I enjoyed you art and talk very much. Thank you very much.
J. E. S.

They are lovely pieces, but my question is "How did you think of those things to do?" The answer is "your genius".
S. F. M

This stuff became immensely enjoyable when Ms lesch explained it so graphically.
H&G. S.

A rare privilege to have heard such an outstanding person and friend of many years - Thank you and Bullitt Co is fortunate to have you Alma-
W. M. H.

Dearest Alma,
Plesant memories of 'Uncle' Bob Armstrong were aroused by his portrait. Your talent is much in evidence. You are one of the better people, humans, I have known and it is a privledge to do you honor. Your art too.
T. G.

Beautiful! and Individually Yours. Thank you for sharing it with us.
R. H.

I love your idea of clothing pictures, very interesting. My favorite was the ****** dress.
S. A.

Your art gives one a good sense of history. It shows fragments of people's lives and you get a sense that these people really lived. It is not a "cold" form of art that you appraise and then forget. I am grateful to have come to know it.
C.McI.

Sept 20 - Oct 16- 1982
Alma Wallace Lesch Exhibition
Shepherdsville, KY
Ridgway Memorial Library

Dear Alma,
This has been a pleasure and a honor for the Ridgway Memorial Library to show your exhibit that our fellow Bullitt Countians might come to appreciate you as an artist and also to learn more about your speacial kind of art expression.
Please accept this small book as our Thank You for sharing your talent with us for this month.

Dorothea Stottman, Librarian

BLOGGER

The material in this weblog contains documentation relating to the late Kentucky textile innovator and fiber artist Alma Wallace Lesch.

Entries may be used for research and must acknowledge the origin and request permission before use. No part may be republished without gaining permission from the author. Links to it are welcome in your own web-blogs or website.

The works produced by the late Alma Wallace Lesch are currently archived in two Louisville, Kentucky institutions (The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft; The University of Louisville) and in many private collections throughout the United States. It is the intent of this author to identify these textile works for reseach purposes in order to more fully appreciate the contributions of the artist, author and innovator through her unique signature form of fabric portraiture, and the producer of natural color in fiber (published VEGETABLE DYEING) as well as an authority on fiber throughout her eighty-two year lifespan in Kentucky, USA in North America.