The Gmeiner Art & Cultural Center is delighted to announce the Main Gallery exhibit for July 2025, “Precious Few: The Quilts of Elizabeth Mahonske” hand-stitched cotton quilts by Elizabeth Mahonske of Blossburg, PA. The exhibit will open on Saturday, July 12^th with a reception from 2-4PM. The reception is free and open to the public, who are invited to come enjoy light refreshments provided by the Dancing Flame Sangha Meditation Group and to meet the artist’s son Adam Mahonske who will give a brief talk at 3PM on his mother’s works. This exhibit will remain on display until Sunday, August 3^rd.

Elizabeth Emily Cleary was born in Norborne, Missouri in 1914. Raised in Ontario, she aspired to study modern architecture under Frank Lloyd Wright. After graduating, she attended business school during the Depression era. Elizabeth’s creative instincts led her to design clothing, although her early experiences in the industry were challenging. In 1953, she married Adam Mahonske, Sr. and moved to Rochester, Michigan, where she supported her family through sewing and clothing design. She created a line of children’s clothing designs called Precious Few. Financial challenges led the family to relocate to Blossburg, Pennsylvania, where Elizabeth worked at Mansfield University library until her retirement in 1982. She then developed a passion for quilting, creating intricate hand-stitched quilts with traditional and original designs.

Her quilts, previously shared only with friends and family, are now being publicly presented for the first time at the Gmeiner Gallery by her son Dr. Adam Mahonske. Elizabeth passed away in July 2015 at the age of 101.

The Gmeiner is open from 12-6PM Tuesdays through Sundays and is located at 134 Main Street in Wellsboro behind the Green Free Library. Admission to the gallery is free.