Originally Posted by TanyaL
To me fiber arts could be a weaving,almost anything that would have fibers. In art classes in college you could do all sorts of things to hold fibers together so that they could hang in a artistic expression; you absolutely could NOT sew the fibers into a construction that the professors could recognize as being anything remotely resembling a quilt. The art world does not recognize any connection at all between fiber arts and quilting. A fiber art installation seldom has fabric, it would more often have yarn. The only connection I can think of between fiber art and art quilts is they neither one keep anyone warm, both being hung and displayed. That's really a slight connection.
Fiber arts is usually considered an art, quilting is a craft.
I believe much of what you say is outdated. The "art world" is rapidly changing it's attitude thanks to the hard work of many talented fiber and mixed-media artists and there is doubt in my mind as to how attuned to the real world of art college professors truly are, especially in a medium as fluid as fiber and textiles.
For most purposes, 'quilt' is defined as three layers, held together by stitching. The layers may or may not be fabric, the stitching may or may not be thread, for quilt/fiber/textile art purposes. A ham sandwich held together by a toothpick does not qualify, however. :lol: