Exploring the Artistry of Montika Allen-Atkinson: A Celebration of Quilting Mastery

Junction City Arts Council is honored to showcase the quilt artistry of Montika Allen-Atkinson in the Upper Gallery of the CL Hoover Opera House. Her journey from educator to celebrated quilter is as inspiring as the vibrant creations she crafts.

A Journey from Education to Art

Montika spent 37 years as an educator, serving in Oklahoma, Kansas, Department of Defense schools, and Texas Central College. After retiring, she reignited her passion for quilting—a creative outlet she first discovered at age 10 when she hand-stitched her first quilt. Over the years, she created baby quilts for friends and explored traditional quilting during her time in Germany.

It was in 2008 that quilting evolved from a pastime to an obsession. Montika embraced a wide range of techniques, from traditional and modern quilting to social justice quilts, improvisational designs, and thread art. Her innovation includes creating her own patterns, hand-dyeing fabrics, and stamping designs on textiles.

A Collaborative Family Effort

Montika’s son, Ronald Atkinson Jr., plays an essential role in her creative process. He helps scale her sketches into full-size designs for her art quilts, ensuring her ideas come to life in breathtaking detail.

Quilting for Passion and Purpose

In 2012, Montika purchased a longarm quilting machine and honed her skills in free motion and ruler work, becoming a highly sought-after custom quilter. Her quilts have adorned fundraising events like the Alzheimer’s quilt and the Harriet Tubman Quilt, which is now permanently displayed at the Harriet Tubman Museum & Education Center in Cambridge, MD.

Montika’s commitment to meaningful work extends to the Quilts of Valor Foundation, where she has been a longarm quilter since 2012, crafting quilts to honor veterans.

Global Recognition for a Self-Taught Artist

A member of eight quilting guilds spanning the U.S. and beyond, Montika’s work has been displayed in exhibitions across Atlanta, Indianapolis, Kansas, Texas, and even France. Her artistry is celebrated for its technical brilliance and powerful storytelling.

Visit the Exhibit

Montika Allen-Atkinson’s quilts are a testament to creativity, dedication, and community impact. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience her extraordinary work on display at the Upper Gallery in the C.L. Hoover Opera House through January 31, 2025. Her creations are sure to inspire and captivate all who view them.

The C.L. Hoover Opera House is a premier performing arts and civic center located at 135 W. 7th St. in Junction City, KS. With a rich history dating back to 1882, it is recognized on the state register of historic places since 2003, and serves as a cultural hub for Junction City. The Opera House hosts a full professional performance season and is home to the Junction City Arts Council, Junction City Little Theater, and the Junction City Band.