As a child I slept under heavy woolen quilts made by my French Canadian grand mother and wore knitted wool caps from the hands of my Austrian grand mother. Everyone in my family makes things with their hands. It’s in my genes. I love making useful things that are beautiful. When I visit the home of a family member or friend and I see one of my pot holders with burn marks or other evidence of being worn, it gives me great joy.

In fifth grade I was given my first camera. A Kodak box camera with the film on a spool I had to install so carefully. Reading LIFE magazine sparked my love of photography. Later I fell in love with nature. This combination has enriched my life for many years. Initially I was too shy to photograph people but now I dive right in. I want people to see the beauty that I see in them. Photography has taught me a way of seeing the world with loving eyes.

Jonas Girard painted to live music in his Ashville studio. It was a great joy to sit with him and talk about his art. I treasure the painting he gave me but it was the years of watching his YouTube videos that inspired me to pick up paints. Literally every time I put paint to paper I send him gratitude.

Quilting has been a part of Catherine Lavoie’s life since the late 1970’s. Early influence came from traditional Amish quilters. Later as she evolved, she had the privilege of studying with some of the best quilt teachers including Roberta Horton, Ricki Tims and Carol Ann Waugh. Always eager for experimentation, her work has moved into sculptural territory with

3-dimensional pieces, hand painted fabric and hand dyed fabric using natural elements such as avocado skins.

As a psychotherapist for many years, Catherine has been deeply interested in the not easily seen or understood particles of life. Photography nurtured this interest. No longer using a dark room, she is seldom without a camera or smart phone. Her instagram offers insights into her relationship with nature, especially as experienced at White Memorial Conservation Center.

Catherine lives in Bethlehem, Connecticut with her husband, the Silversmith, John Stamos. Their daughter, Sarah Lavoie-Stamos, lives in Torrington and is an accomplished quilter.

Education: 

Mostly self-taught.

Individual study with professional quilters.

Photography class at Audubon Art Center in New Haven

Individual study with professional photographer, Tom Hricho.

Solo and Group Exhibitions: 

Belle Grove Quilt Show, Winchester, Virginia

Little Washington Art Gallery, Little Washington, VA

Multiple quilt shows associated with Connecticut based guilds.

            Outsiders Art Gallery in Kent, CT.

Collections:

One quilt in the Bethlehem Museum

Several quilts purchased by individuals

Many quilts donated to charity

Potholders in homes throughout New England and across the country!

Commissions:

Wall quilts and baby quilts.

Gallery Education:

2017 - Quilt Show by the Southford Falls Quilters Guild

2019 - Leader in hanging a quilt show at the Southbury Public Library

2021 - Initiated a showing of quilts on the green in Bethlehem in June 2021.

@lavoiequilts