phyllis cullen: SAQA super rep

By Patricia Belyea

HAMAKUA COAST HI  Textile artist and semi-retired doctor define Phyllis Cullen. Non-stop generous describes her.

Phyllis, one of the first members of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA), moved to the Big Island of Hawaii three years ago. She now serves at the SAQA Regional Representative for all of Hawaii.

As a benefit for local SAQA members, Phyllis invited me to teach my Doodle Piecing class at her studio. Arriving early, I found her sprawling home filled with paintings and textile art that Phyllis created over the last 30 years.

The largest room was transformed into Phyllis’ studio—filled with fabrics, threads, books, a long-arm machine and more artwork. Sliding glass doors along the eastern wall led out to a broad deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Out on the deck a happy troupe of islanders spent the day doodling and sewing curvy quilt blocks. My very first outdoor class!

Need more fabric? Phyllis offered full access to her stash. Sewing machine missing a piece? Phyllis lent her machine to a participant. Lunch time? Phyllis made lunch for all.

I doubt SAQA has a better rep anywhere in the world. Phyllis’ hospitality in hosting a visiting teacher for a learning opportunity demonstrated her heart-felt commitment to creativity and connecting quilters.

To learn more about Phyllis’ fiber art, classes and lectures +click here

To learn about SAQA, an international association of art quilters +click here