MJ Kinman, a textile artist from Kentucky, conducted a bourbon tasting for a members-only crowd at the International Quilt Museum this June. Her exhibition, Facets on Fire: The Gemstone Quilts of MJ Kinman, includes some pieces from her bourbon series, which celebrates Kentucky’s favorite spirit. Her work pays tribute to iconic distilleries such as Maker’s Mark, Old Pogue, Buffalo Trace, Willett, and Old Forester, as well as wonderful new bourbon makers like Angel’s Envy. MJ is certified as an Executive Bourbon Steward by the Stave & Thief Society and during the bourbon tasting event, she shared insider information about four of her favorite bourbons and her gemstone quilts, one of which hangs in the Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY.

During the talk, MJ gave the crowd some lessons on hue, saturation, and color theory that might help others make their own gemstone quilts. She gave IQM's Education Coordinator Lauren Holt some of that advice for last month's First Friday Fun video. MJ also reflected on some of her best and most anxious moments being a quilter. Her advice to the audience? Choose joy. When she was delivering one of her gemstone quilts to the Maker's Mark Distillery, instead of embracing this pivotal and exciting moment in her career, MJ spent the whole drive thinking about the dimensions of the quilt. Was it too big? Too small? In the end, the quilt was a perfect size for its home at the distillery and MJ told the audience how she wished she embraced the excitement instead of the anxiety. 

Her exhibition at the IQM will be on view in the Beavers Gallery until August 6, 2022.

If you’re interested in having your own bourbon tasting at home, you can download our exclusive IQM tasting materials. How To Taste Bourbon | Bourbon Tasting Log

If you are a member with us, be sure to check your email for future members-only events and perks. Depending on your membership status, you might still have perks to redeem, like free admission to the museum, museum store discounts, and more. If you're interested in becoming a member and accessing the members-only newsletter and events, find more information here.