There are many responses to tragedy and many different ways to reach out to those who have suffered enormous loss.

When a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami with 133-foot waves struck Japan in 2011, quilters from all over the country responded by making quilts for those in need of comfort and as a way to comfort themselves as they processed the disaster.

Miwako Kimura, Sachiko Yoshida, and Noriko Koyama — three noted Japanese quilt artists and teachers — joined with their students to support survivors in their quilt-making efforts.

The Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum, 1213 Washington Ave. in Golden, plays host to 29 of those quilts in their “Wishes Through Our Hands” exhibit. The quilts will be on display through Jan. 24 and the gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Kimura, the curator, is pleased and gratified to exhibit these quilts in America.

“We have learned countless patterns and techniques for quiltmaking from your country, and we are thrilled to continue the ‘heartfelt gift in every stitch’ tradition,” she said. “We sincerely hope you can read our wishes and thoughts, stitched and sewn in these quilts.”

The connection between U.S. and Japanese quilters began in the 1970s when American quilters toured the island, said Irene Berry, marketing and exhibits manager at the museum.

“Japan has a tradition of needlework and recycling fabrics…” Berry said. “Women in Japan wanted to learn how to do American quilting and so a very specific way to teach them was established.”

In addition to learning about pattern drafting and designs of American quilting, the women were also taught about the history of the American craft. As a result, even though the subjects and aesthetic are Japanese, the quilts still resemble American examples.

“There are two main fabrics used in Japanese quilts — indigo and silk,” Berry explained. “The indigo fabrics are used by those lower on the social scale and silk was employed by those higher up.”

The 29 quilts on display vary from traditional to contemporary, but all reflect the devotion of teacher and student to their craft. In Japan, Berry said, once students decide on a teacher they commit for their entire instruction period.

The exhibit first came to the attention of the Rocky Mountain Quilting Museum thanks to a participant in the museum’s annual men’s showcase. The man knew about a Japanese quilt exhibit in La Conner, Washington, and was able to arrange for it to travel to Golden.

“This is a rare opportunity to see quilts directly from Japan,” Berry said. “This is the only place outside of La Conner they can be seen and the quilts will be going back to Japan after our exhibit.”

The rarity and quality of the quilts make the show a must-visit for those interested in culture and craft.

“Visitors get to see a quality interpretation of American quilts through Japanese artists,” Berry said. “Their design sense is just spectacular and a lot of time goes into making these quilts exquisite.”

For more information call 303-277-0377 or visit .

Curator Miwako Kimura says she is pleased and gratified to exhibit this group of quilts in America. She adds, “We have learned countless patterns and techniques for quiltmaking from your country, and we are thrilled to continue the ‘heartfelt gift in every stitch’ tradition. We sincerely hope you can read our wishes and thoughts, stitched and sewn in these quilts.”