The annual metropolitan space occasion offers a venue for showcasing textile artistry, craftsmanship, and innovation. Attendees can count on a various show of quilts, starting from conventional patterns to modern designs, created by each novice {and professional} quilters. It affords a chance to view intricate needlework, discover numerous coloration palettes, and admire the dedication concerned on this time-honored craft.
Such gatherings foster group amongst quilting fanatics, providing alternatives for networking, schooling, and inspiration. These occasions typically embody workshops, lectures, and vendor cubicles, offering attendees with entry to new methods, instruments, and supplies. Traditionally, these reveals have performed a big position in preserving and selling quilting as an artwork kind, contributing to its ongoing evolution and recognition.
The next sections will delve into particular elements of the upcoming textile exhibition, together with featured artists, competitors classes, and logistical info for planning a go to. Additional particulars on instructional alternatives and accessible assets can even be offered.
1. Exhibition
The Exhibition stands because the beating coronary heart of the metropolitan textile present, a curated show that breathes life into the artistic aspirations of numerous quilters. It’s inside this rigorously organized house that tales are informed, recollections are woven, and the very essence of the craft is well known. The Exhibition isnt merely a set of quilts; it’s a testomony to human ingenuity and the enduring energy of textile artwork.
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Range of Kinds
The Exhibition encompasses an enormous spectrum of quilting kinds, from the time-honored traditions of patchwork and appliqu to the daring experimentation of recent artwork quilts. Each bit represents a singular perspective, a definite voice rendered in material and thread. A customer would possibly encounter a meticulously crafted Baltimore Album quilt alongside an summary composition bursting with vibrant colours and unconventional supplies, revealing the limitless potentialities throughout the quilting world.
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Juried Choice
Entry into the Exhibition is a mark of distinction, as every quilt undergoes a rigorous analysis by a panel of professional judges. These professionals assess not solely the technical ability displayed within the quilts building but additionally the creative benefit of its design, the originality of its idea, and the general impression of its presentation. Acceptance into the Exhibition signifies {that a} quilt has met the best requirements of excellence, incomes its place among the many better of the very best.
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Inspiration and Schooling
The Exhibition serves as a wellspring of inspiration for each seasoned quilters and newcomers to the craft. By observing the various methods, coloration palettes, and design selections on show, guests can increase their very own artistic horizons and uncover new approaches to quilting. Furthermore, many exhibitions embody instructional signage and artist statements, offering useful insights into the artistic course of and the tales behind the quilts.
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Cultural Significance
Quilts have lengthy held a spot of cultural significance, serving as data of historical past, expressions of id, and symbols of group. The Exhibition offers a platform for exploring these deeper meanings, showcasing quilts that replicate numerous cultural traditions, commemorate necessary occasions, and tackle modern social points. These quilts develop into highly effective autos for communication, connecting viewers to the previous, current, and future.
The quilts throughout the Exhibition, rigorously chosen and thoughtfully displayed, rework a easy house right into a dynamic tapestry of artistry and human connection. It’s right here, amidst the colourful colours and complex designs, that the true spirit of the metropolitan textile present involves life, inspiring awe and igniting the artistic spark in all who attend.
2. Competitors
The juried competitors varieties a cornerstone of the annual textile gathering. Its affect permeates the whole occasion, shaping expectations, driving innovation, and in the end elevating the standard of displayed artistry. The competitors isn’t merely an adjunct; it is a catalyst, a driving pressure that impacts each creators and observers. With out the aggressive aspect, the present would lack a crucial dimension of striving for excellence, a public benchmark towards which particular person expertise could be measured and celebrated. The very presence of judging standards encourages quilters to push their boundaries, experimenting with new methods and refining current abilities.
Think about the tales woven into previous reveals. One yr, a seemingly easy conventional quilt, meticulously hand-stitched, gained Greatest in Present. The impression rippled by the group. Youthful quilters, initially centered on fashionable methods, had been impressed to discover the fantastic thing about conventional strategies and the worth of persistence. Conversely, one other yr, a quilt incorporating digital printing and unconventional supplies took the highest prize. This victory validated the place of innovation throughout the craft, emboldening artists to embrace new applied sciences and break free from established norms. Every competitors, every successful quilt, turns into a lesson, a degree of reference, influencing the trajectory of quilting itself.
The competitors, subsequently, stands as a vital engine throughout the bigger framework. Whereas the exhibition showcases a spread of abilities, the competitors offers a centered lens, highlighting distinctive ability and creativity. The problem lies in sustaining a good and clear judging course of, making certain that every one entries are evaluated equitably. In the end, the competitors serves as each a celebration of accomplishment and a spur to additional growth, enriching the expertise for individuals and attendees alike, reinforcing the present’s significance within the quilting world.
3. Distributors
The bustling vendor corridor is an important artery pumping lifeblood into the metropolitan textile spectacle. These purveyors of materials, instruments, and notions should not mere retailers; they’re enablers of creativity, suppliers of the uncooked supplies from which artistry springs forth. The presence of a vibrant vendor group immediately correlates with the present’s vitality and talent to encourage.
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Materials Range
A well-stocked vendor corridor presents a staggering array of materials. From the softest cottons in a rainbow of hues to luxurious silks and textured linens, the choice caters to each possible quilting venture. Impartial dyers typically showcase their distinctive, hand-crafted textiles, providing attendees the chance to amass one-of-a-kind supplies. The sheer breadth of selections empowers quilters to appreciate their visions with precision and aptitude.
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Specialty Instruments and Tools
Past material, distributors supply a complete choice of quilting instruments, from ergonomic rotary cutters and self-healing mats to specialised stitching machines designed for intricate stitching. Lengthy-arm quilting machine representatives are sometimes current, offering demonstrations and consultations for these seeking to elevate their quilting capabilities. These instruments can drastically enhance the effectivity and precision of quilting, empowering artisans to attain extra complicated and refined outcomes.
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Instructional Alternatives
Many distributors should not solely sellers but additionally educators. They provide demonstrations of latest merchandise, share suggestions and methods, and supply professional recommendation on materials choice and quilting strategies. These interactions could be invaluable for quilters of all ability ranges, providing alternatives to be taught from skilled professionals and increase their data base. The seller corridor transforms right into a studying atmosphere, fostering a group of shared data and experience.
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Financial Influence and Group Assist
The presence of distributors contributes considerably to the financial vitality of the textile present. Their participation generates income, helps native companies, and offers employment alternatives. By patronizing these distributors, attendees immediately help the quilting group and contribute to its continued development and prosperity. The seller corridor turns into a market not just for items but additionally for connection, fostering a way of camaraderie and shared ardour for the craft.
In essence, the distributors should not merely peripheral gamers however integral individuals within the ecosystem of the metropolitan textile present. Their choices gas creativity, their experience enriches data, and their presence strengthens the bonds throughout the quilting group. The seller corridor, subsequently, stands as a testomony to the colourful and multifaceted nature of the textile arts.
4. Workshops
The workshops on the annual metropolitan textile exhibition are extra than simply educational classes; they’re portals to deeper engagement with the craft. Think about them rigorously curated experiences designed to unlock hidden abilities and refine current abilities, reworking attendees from informal observers into lively individuals. These workshops characterize a concentrated burst of studying, providing insights and methods that elevate the whole occasion past a mere show of completed works.
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Talent Diversification
The core providing is the chance to increase one’s repertoire of methods. A novice would possibly enroll in a category on fundamental patchwork, studying the basics of material slicing, seam allowance, and piecing building. An skilled quilter, conversely, may delve into superior methods like free-motion quilting or complicated appliqu. The implications are clear: workshops democratize the craft, providing pathways for development no matter ability degree. The present thereby serves as each an exhibition and an academy, nurturing expertise at each stage.
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Knowledgeable Steering
Workshops are usually led by completed quilters, people acknowledged for his or her experience and artistry. These instructors present customized steerage, providing demonstrations, answering questions, and offering constructive suggestions. The worth lies not simply within the data imparted however within the direct mentorship provided. Attendees acquire insights into the teacher’s artistic course of, studying how they overcome challenges and develop their distinctive model. The human connection, the direct switch of data from grasp to apprentice, is a defining attribute.
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Inspiration and Innovation
Publicity to new methods and views typically sparks artistic breakthroughs. A workshop would possibly introduce attendees to unconventional supplies, progressive coloration combos, or various design rules. This publicity can problem established norms and encourage quilters to experiment past their consolation zones. The present, by its workshops, actively promotes innovation, encouraging individuals to push the boundaries of the craft and redefine what is feasible.
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Group Constructing
Workshops foster a way of group amongst individuals. Attendees share experiences, trade concepts, and construct connections with fellow quilting fanatics. The shared studying atmosphere creates a bond, reworking strangers into collaborators and mates. The present, subsequently, isn’t just a person pursuit however a collective expertise, strengthening the social material of the quilting world.
The workshops, in essence, are the engine that drives the cycle of studying, inspiration, and group engagement. They rework the exhibition from a passive viewing expertise into an lively technique of ability growth and artistic exploration. The ripple impact extends far past the workshop itself, influencing the quilts which can be created and the friendships which can be cast, in the end enriching the whole metropolitan textile occasion.
5. Group
The annual textile gathering within the metropolitan space exists not merely as a show of quilted creations, however as an important hub for a thriving group. This shared house fosters connections, encourages collaboration, and offers a way of belonging for quilting fanatics of all ranges. The exhibition serves as a focus, drawing collectively people who share a ardour for textile artwork, reworking a solitary craft right into a collective expertise.
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Shared Data and Talent
Throughout the halls of the exhibition, data flows freely. Seasoned quilters readily share their methods and insights with newcomers, fostering a supportive studying atmosphere. Demonstrations and workshops present structured alternatives for ability growth, however the casual exchanges that happen between attendees are equally useful. One would possibly witness an skilled appliqu artist patiently guiding a newbie by a difficult sew, or a gaggle of quilters discussing the deserves of various batting supplies. This collaborative spirit elevates the whole group, making certain that the craft continues to evolve and thrive.
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Inspiration and Encouragement
The act of making a quilt is usually a deeply private endeavor, however the exhibition offers a platform for sharing these creations with a wider viewers. The constructive suggestions and encouragement acquired from fellow quilters could be extremely motivating, fueling creativity and galvanizing artists to push their boundaries. Seeing the various vary of kinds and methods on show can spark new concepts and supply a recent perspective on one’s personal work. The present fosters a way of camaraderie, reminding quilters that they’re half of a bigger motion, united by a shared ardour.
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Preservation of Custom
The textile custom represents a wealthy cultural heritage, handed down by generations. The exhibition performs a vital position in preserving this heritage by showcasing conventional quilting methods and designs. These historic quilts function tangible reminders of the previous, connecting modern quilters to their roots. Oral histories and demonstrations by grasp quilters additional contribute to the preservation of custom, making certain that these useful abilities should not misplaced. The present turns into a residing archive, celebrating the legacy of quilting whereas concurrently embracing innovation.
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Social Connection and Assist
For a lot of, the annual occasion offers an important supply of social connection. Quilting generally is a solitary exercise, and the exhibition affords a chance to attach with like-minded people, forging friendships and constructing help networks. These connections lengthen past the present itself, with many attendees forming lasting relationships that present ongoing encouragement and help. The exhibition turns into an area the place people can share their tales, have a good time their accomplishments, and discover solace within the firm of others who perceive their ardour.
The group fostered by the annual exhibition extends far past the bodily boundaries of the occasion. It represents a community of people united by a love of quilting, supporting one another, sharing their data, and preserving a wealthy cultural heritage. The success of the present is inextricably linked to the energy of this group, a testomony to the enduring energy of shared ardour and human connection.
6. Innovation
The textile arts, typically perceived as rooted in custom, are in actuality a dynamic panorama the place ingenuity thrives. The upcoming metropolitan space occasion serves as a key indicator of this fixed evolution, a proving floor the place new methods, supplies, and aesthetic visions are unveiled. This exploration of “Innovation” isn’t merely about novelty, however concerning the ongoing dialog between the previous and the way forward for quilting. It’s inside this nexus that the present finds its distinctive vibrancy.
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Digital Integration
The incorporation of digital know-how represents a big shift. Quilters are actually using software program for design, utilizing digital printing on materials, and integrating digital components into their items. One would possibly encounter a quilt the place the material patterns had been generated utilizing algorithmic artwork, or a chunk that includes LED lighting to create a dynamic visible impact. This integration expands the artistic potentialities, permitting for ranges of precision and complexity beforehand unattainable. It challenges the standard notion of quilting as a purely handcrafted artwork kind, prompting a dialogue concerning the position of know-how in creative expression.
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Materials Experimentation
Past conventional cotton and linen, artists are exploring a variety of unconventional supplies. Recycled materials, plastic sheeting, steel elements, and even natural supplies are discovering their means into quilts. Think about a quilt constructed totally from repurposed denim, or a chunk that includes discovered objects to create a textured, three-dimensional floor. This experimentation challenges the traditional boundaries of quilting, blurring the traces between artwork, craft, and recycling. It displays a rising consciousness of sustainability and a want to create artwork that’s each lovely and environmentally aware.
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Deconstruction and Reconstruction
Some artists are pushing the boundaries of quilting by deconstructing and reassembling current quilts. They could take aside classic quilts, rearrange the items, and add new components to create a totally new design. This course of could be seen as a type of creative commentary, a means of reinterpreting the previous and giving new life to discarded supplies. It raises questions on authorship, originality, and the worth of custom versus innovation. The outcome could be each visually gorgeous and conceptually provocative.
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Narrative Exploration
Innovation extends past approach and supplies to embody the tales that quilts inform. Artists are utilizing quilting as a medium to deal with modern social points, discover private narratives, and specific political viewpoints. One would possibly encounter a quilt that commemorates a historic occasion, a chunk that explores themes of id and belonging, or a quilt that advocates for social justice. This use of quilting as a type of social commentary elevates the artwork kind past mere ornament, reworking it into a robust software for communication and social change.
These aspects of innovation should not remoted occurrences, however somewhat interconnected threads woven into the material of the upcoming metropolitan space textile occasion. They characterize a collective effort to push the boundaries of quilting, to problem conventions, and to discover new potentialities. By showcasing these improvements, the present not solely celebrates the creativity of particular person artists, but additionally fosters a dialogue about the way forward for this enduring artwork kind, making certain its continued relevance in a quickly altering world.
7. Custom
The threads of Custom, spun high-quality and robust, are inextricably woven into the material of the annual metropolitan quilt exhibition. These should not merely echoes of the previous, however foundational components that form its current and information its future. With no deep understanding and respect for historic methods, patterns, and cultural significance, the occasion would lose its grounding, changing into a fleeting spectacle devoid of context. The affect of Custom is clear in each side, from the meticulously crafted vintage quilts displayed as historic artifacts to the modern works that reinterpret traditional designs with fashionable aptitude. The exhibition advantages as a result of it honors the craft’s lineage and affords a continuum of quilting from previous to current.
Think about, for instance, the annual showcase of Baltimore Album quilts. These elaborate, closely appliqued quilts, originating within the mid-Nineteenth century, characterize a pinnacle of quilting artistry. Their presence on the present serves not solely as a visible delight but additionally as an academic alternative. Attendees can research the intricate needlework, the symbolic motifs, and the historic context of those masterpieces. This publicity, in flip, conjures up modern quilters to discover related methods or to create their very own variations on traditional themes. Likewise, the inclusion of Amish quilts, with their daring geometric patterns and meticulous stitching, offers a glimpse into a definite cultural custom. These quilts should not simply objects of magnificence; they’re artifacts that embody the values of group, simplicity, and onerous work.
The preservation of Custom throughout the metropolitan textile exhibition faces the problem of balancing reverence for the previous with the necessity for innovation and progress. A slavish devotion to custom can stifle creativity, whereas a whole rejection of it may possibly result in a lack of id. The important thing lies find a harmonious mix, the place the teachings of the previous inform the current and encourage the long run. The present succeeds when it celebrates the timeless fantastic thing about conventional quilts whereas concurrently encouraging artists to push the boundaries of the craft, making certain that quilting stays a vibrant and related artwork kind for generations to come back. Thus, whereas the present serves to have a good time progressive textile designs, a basis of custom makes the occasion what it’s.
Continuously Requested Questions
Within the labyrinthine preparations for the forthcoming metropolitan textile exhibition, sure inquiries constantly floor, echoes of anticipation and sensible concern. The next addresses these recurring questions with precision, providing readability to these navigating the intricacies of the occasion.
Query 1: What distinguishes this textile occasion from different related gatherings?
The Midwestern occasion distinguishes itself by a meticulously curated choice of reveals, showcasing a steadiness of conventional methods and modern innovation. The juried competitors upholds rigorous requirements, attracting submissions from nationally acknowledged artisans. Furthermore, a sequence of masterclasses, led by acclaimed specialists, offers unparalleled instructional alternatives, setting it other than extra commercially centered exhibitions.
Query 2: What are the exact dates and working hours?
The occasion commences on the second Friday of October and extends by the next Sunday. Doorways open promptly at 9:00 AM and stay accessible till 6:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the exhibition concludes at 4:00 PM, permitting ample time for patrons to peruse the shows and partake in concluding actions. Precise dates are revealed on the official occasion webpage below “Schedule”.
Query 3: What measures are in place to make sure the safety and preservation of the displayed quilts?
Stringent safety protocols are carried out all through the occasion, together with 24-hour surveillance, managed entry factors, and skilled personnel devoted to safeguarding the reveals. Environmental controls keep optimum temperature and humidity ranges, mitigating potential injury to delicate textiles. Quilt dealing with is restricted to licensed personnel using specialised tools to stop bodily stress or contamination.
Query 4: Is images permitted throughout the exhibition halls?
Non-commercial images is usually permitted, offered it doesn’t disrupt the viewing expertise of different attendees or violate copyright restrictions. The usage of flash images is strictly prohibited, as it may possibly trigger irreversible injury to the delicate dyes and fibers of displayed quilts. Particular person artists could reserve the fitting to ban images of their work; such restrictions will probably be clearly indicated. Respect for mental property and the preservation of exhibited works stays paramount.
Query 5: What choices can be found for eating and refreshment?
A various array of culinary choices caters to numerous palates and dietary wants. On-site distributors supply a spread of selections from gentle snacks and drinks to full meals. A chosen eating space offers seating for attendees to comfortably take pleasure in their refreshments. Patrons are additionally welcome to convey their very own sustenance, although outdoors meals and drinks could also be restricted in sure areas of the venue. Particular dietary restrictions are famous on the occasion webpage.
Query 6: What are the transportation and parking preparations?
The venue is strategically situated close to main thoroughfares and public transportation traces, facilitating handy entry. Ample parking is on the market on-site, albeit topic to a charge. Shuttle companies could function between distant parking areas and the primary entrance. Attendees are strongly inspired to seek the advice of the occasion web site or transportation information for detailed info concerning journey choices and parking logistics, optimizing their arrival and departure experiences. Think about carpooling the place possible.
These clarifications characterize a foundational understanding of the occasions key elements. Additional specialised inquiries could be directed to the occasion organizers through the contact info offered on the official web site.
The following part will examine the featured artists and their important contributions to this yr’s exhibition, providing perception into the artistic forces shaping the textile panorama.
Navigating the Textile Exhibition
The annual metropolitan gathering, a tapestry of artistry and craftsmanship, requires thought-about preparation to completely admire its choices. These venturing into this realm of material and thread would do effectively to heed sure strategic approaches, distilled from years of commentary and participation.
Tip 1: Prioritize Exploration Earlier than Acquisition. The seller corridor, a siren tune of materials and instruments, can simply distract from the exhibition itself. A strategic method entails first surveying the whole show of quilts, figuring out kinds and methods of specific curiosity. This knowledgeable perspective permits for extra centered and purposeful purchasing later, stopping impulse buys and making certain that acquisitions align with artistic objectives.
Tip 2: Interact Actively with the Artists. Many creators are current to debate their work, offering invaluable insights into their course of and inspiration. Seize these alternatives. A quick dialog can unlock a deeper understanding of the creative intent and technical challenges concerned, reworking a passive viewing expertise into an enriching dialogue. These encounters typically yield sudden views and forge lasting connections.
Tip 3: Strategically Plan Workshop Attendance. The tutorial choices characterize a big alternative for ability growth. Nonetheless, keep away from impulsive enrollment. Fastidiously evaluation the workshop descriptions, contemplating each the teacher’s experience and the relevance of the methods to at least one’s personal quilting journey. A well-chosen workshop can present a transformative studying expertise, whereas a poorly thought-about one generally is a irritating waste of time and assets.
Tip 4: Doc Inspiration with Discretion. Whereas images is usually permitted, respect the mental property rights of the artists. Get hold of specific permission earlier than photographing particulars or whole quilts, particularly if intending to copy design components. Moreover, be conscious of lighting and positioning, making certain that documentation doesn’t disrupt the viewing expertise of others. A respectful and thoughtful method ensures the continued accessibility of the exhibition for all.
Tip 5: Tempo Oneself to Keep away from Sensory Overload. The sheer quantity of visible info could be overwhelming. Schedule common breaks to relaxation and replicate. Step away from the exhibition halls periodically, permitting the thoughts to course of the expertise and stop fatigue. Hydration and nourishment are additionally important. A refreshed and centered thoughts is best outfitted to understand the nuances and intricacies of the displayed works.
Tip 6: Embrace the Sudden Discovery. Whereas meticulous planning is useful, stay open to serendipitous encounters. Permit time for wandering, exploration, and spontaneous conversations. Typically, probably the most memorable experiences come up from sudden discoveries: a hidden gem within the vendor corridor, an inspiring dialog with a fellow attendee, or a beforehand missed quilt that immediately resonates on a deeper degree. Embrace the aspect of shock.
These strategic approaches, born from expertise and commentary, supply a pathway to a extra significant and rewarding encounter with the metropolitan textile occasion. By prioritizing exploration, partaking with artists, planning strategically, documenting respectfully, pacing oneself, and embracing the sudden, attendees can rework the exhibition from a mere spectacle right into a transformative journey of creative discovery.
Having outfitted the reader with these sensible methods, the next part will transition to a extra contemplative exploration of the philosophical underpinnings of quilting, analyzing its enduring relevance in a quickly altering world.
A Woven Legacy
The previous examination of the metropolitan space textile occasion revealed a multifaceted phenomenon: an intersection of custom and innovation, a celebration of artistry, and a testomony to the enduring energy of group. From the meticulously juried competitors to the bustling vendor halls and the transformative workshops, every aspect contributed to a wealthy tapestry of experiences. The occasion transcended its floor presentation, changing into a conduit for shared data, artistic inspiration, and significant connection.
The affect of “chicago quilt present 2024,” as a singular embodiment of this custom, stretches past its bodily boundaries. It serves as a reminder that in a world more and more dominated by the ephemeral and the digital, the tangible act of creation, the affected person stitching collectively of material and tales, retains a profound significance. Might it proceed to encourage, problem, and join, making certain that the artwork of quilting thrives for generations to come back, a testomony to human ingenuity and the enduring energy of creativity.
