i consider all quilts "art" the only difference i've ever seen on this forum is that i have more contemporary tastes and a lot of people here have traditional tastes - but really its all art.
i find the big difference between contemporary and traditional is fabric selection because both use the same blocks (flying geese, 9 patch, drunkark path, prairie points, etc)
i can understand how a traditional quilter can look at this center and wonder what in the world do you do with something like that. once i put on the NY Beauties i think people might feel more comfortable since thats a traditional style block i'm just making it in batiks.
i would like for everyone to do what they consider to be their signature style. this center is a blank slate, there isn't a print, the colors are all neutral and go with any other color (yes, blue, hot pink, and gold are neutrals), it is all batik fabric but that goes with anything too.
the theme is "around the world with my friends" for international and "cross country with my friends" for US - so the theme calls for you to do a signature border.
it could be something native to your state or country (flowers, animals, cultural design, the colors of your flag in whatever pattern you like) or it could be something that defines you as a quilt artist such as doing your favorite block or your favorite style of fabric.
i will be thrilled and honored by all the work done on the centers. i know that it will be in the spirit of love and friendship and that's what makes it special.
if i get a center and i'm stumped i'm going to reach out to everyone for ideas and i hope you guys feel that way too - its fun to work together to create a quilt - it reminds me of the traditional quilting bee.