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From the humble beginnings of a basic log-cabin quilt made nine years ago for her first grandson, to the Bush Artist Fellows Program 2006 recipient, Vi Colombe modestly says, "Never did I once think I would be where I am now".

National quilt artist and educator Vi Colombe taught classes throughout Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming, all pertaining to the star quilt. Not the typical star quilt made for the tourist trade, Vi's star quilts are usually round, vivid works of art, often featuring unusual background palettes or animal prints.

Vi summarizes her journey from beginning quilter to award-winning quilter and educator: "I have always been an avid sewer/seamstress and it was a natural transition from articles of clothing to quilts - transfer my creative energy from one pattern to another. I have never had any formal training in the art of quilting, but in my early 20's I attended Fashion Design School in San Francisco. I did not have any one mentor along my quilting journey. I studied many, many books, joined a quilt guild, questioned and listened to any and all quilters."

Vi adds, "I have won ribbons throughout the state of South Dakota, and been featured artist at the following South Dakota museums and galleries: The Dahl, The Journey Museum, Dakota Prairie, and Ben West Gallery. On a national level three of my quilts were selected as a part of the National Trunk Show for the Hoffman Challenge and toured the United States."

With the $48,000 grant she received from the Bush Artist Fellows Program, Vi travels extensively to study quiltmaking, and intends to learn the art and technique of machine quilting. What is her favorite color and technique? "I do not have a favorite color - I love all colors and the brighter the better. The technique I enjoy the most is paper piecing."

When asked what she most enjoys about quilting, Vi responded, "I enjoy the material the most - the mix of colors, the display of expressions and the life it breathes. I enjoy the star (lone star) quilt and really only make the star quilt, however, I incorporate other types of quilting - paper piecing, piping, embellishment, etc."

A common thread among quilters is to gather inspiration from surroundings, family, and lifestyle. Vi's creativity reflects her heritage. "I am a member of the Modoc Tribe of Oklahoma but have resided on the Rosebud Reservation for the last 40+ years. I have four children and four grandchildren. I love to garden and have a beautiful and unique yard, which not only entertains me, it also inspires me!" Modest words from this gem from the Badlands of South Dakota…