Sue Reno Studio: Under the Budding Moon

October 23, 2026

Under the Budding Moon - Seen and Heard

I am delighted that my latest work, Under the Budding Moon, has been juried into Seen and Heard (formerly Women of Appalachia) at The Dairy Barn Arts Center in Athens, OH.

Under the Budding Moon

Seen + Heard is a regional exhibition that brings together women and people with diverse experiences of femininity to share their stories through visual art and traditional craft. Representing a wide range of backgrounds, and life experiences, participating artists challenge stereotypes, confront marginalization, and celebrate the richness and complexity of women’s lives, feminine identities, and gendered experiences in Appalachia. Through collective artistic expression, Seen + Heard creates a space where the power of the feminine is recognized through a depth of experiences, creativity, and humanity.

Under the Budding Moon, detail 1

The jury, consisting of Aubrey jo Blue, Robyn Moore, and Beth Nash deliberated together to select this thoughtful selection of works.

The exhibit will be on view from January 23 - March 21, 2027.

Under the Budding Moon, detail 2

My statement for this work:

This quilt references a colloquial name for the May full moon, when the promise of spring blossoms into full splendor. It serves as a metaphor for abundance, joy, and the ease of existing outdoors without requiring protection from the elements. I include altered vintage quilt blocks as a homage to my aunts and grandmothers, whose farm chores left them little time for personal goals, yet they found a way to “keep their hands busy” and express themselves artistically.

Under the Budding Moon, detail 3

Materials: cyanotypes on cotton; silk, cotton, and wool fabric, altered vintage quilt blocks

Techniques: wet process cyanotype, patchwork, stitching

Size: 50”h x 60”w

Under the Budding Moon, detail 4

I grew up in Appalachia, in central Pennsylvania, and now live in Pittsburgh, so the values and aesthetics of the region deeply inform my outlook on life and my artistic practice. I am deeply honored to be included in this exhibit.

Under the Budding Moon, detail 5

To add to the joy and the honor, two more of my quilts were also juried in. Mink and Sycamore will be making its in-person exhibit debut (it was featured this summer in Quilting Arts Magazine).

Mink and Sycamore

Rounding out the trifecta is Under the Flying up Moon, another deeply personal quilt and part of an emerging series, along with Under the Budding Moon, of works about the colloquial names for the full moon throughout the calendar year and their connection to the natural world.