Political quilts; and other expressions of women's suffrage … on display near San Jose

Sunset, March, 1987

Political quilts

Teas and quilting bees can serve as politicalforums just as well as smoke-filled rooms. Exhibits and special events at Cupertino's De Anza College this month offer convincing evidence.

Through March 13, artifacts and photographson display at the California History Center chart the struggle of California women to win the right to vote. Printed materials convey the rhetoric of the movement, while household items of the day recreate the environment that was considered women's proper domain. A photograph depicts a genteel gathering of Victorian-era ladies plotting strategy for the suffrage movement over tea.

At the nearby Euphrat Gallery, you cansee how women have used the traditional craft of quiltmaking to express political convictions. About 25 significant works will be on display from March 3 through April 19, ranging from an antislavery quilt stitched in 1860 to contemporary patchwork appeals for peace.

March 6, there's a special joint program.Beginning at 10 A.M. in the history center, activist and author Bettina Aptheker will speak on the role of California women in the state's political and cultural history. After lunch, at the Euphrat, gallery director Jan Rindfleisch will lead a discussion of the quilt exhibit. A $7 fee for the one-day program, due by February 27, should be sent to CHCF, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino 95014. Call (408) 996-4712 for information on this and other programs, including the daily brown-bag luncheon lectures at the center during Women's History Week, March 8 to 14.

The California History Center occupiesan elegant colonnaded pavilion built in 1895 by San Francisco architect Willis Polk. It now stands west of the Flint Center plaza. Hours are 9 to noon and 1 to 4:30 weekdays, 10 to 2 Saturdays. The Euphrat Gallery, directly east of Flint Center, is open 11 to 4 Tuesdays through Thursdays, 1 to 4 Sundays, and 7 to 9 Wednesday evenings.

Parking is available at the Flint Center loton Stevens Creek Boulevard, just east of State Highway 85.

Photo: Woman's bicyclefrom 1895 is flanked by interpretive panels recounting history of suffrage movement

Photo: Bear Flag bear takes new posturein quilt commemorating recent dispute between Santa Rosa and Sonoma over ownership of courthouse chairs