We first were introduced to the quilts of David Charity at the 2025 Quilt Arizona show. David and Patricia Charity are husband-and-wife fiber artists working in Prescott, Arizona. While sharing a studio, they have developed unique styles and outstanding bodies of work. Here are two of David's cartoon quilts, winners of top awards in the Theme category: Sew Whimsical.
Surf or Turf, made and quilted by David Charity
David’s cartoon fiber art masterfully twists idioms and common phrases to create playful, thought-provoking pieces that delight the eye and mind. Winner of a blue ribbon in the Sew Whimsical (Theme) category at the show, Surf or Turf is a fun spin on whether you like meat or fish. Which will the monster fish pick? The three fish who are terrified at the prospect of being lunch? Or will it be the sea horse that appears oblivious to what is about to happen? (Note the sea "horse" which clearly belongs more on land than under the sea!)
David Charity always wanted to be a cartoonist, and decided to express his love of the art form through quilting. As shown with Surf and Turf and with Parrots of the Caribbean, below, his cartoon fiber art masterfully twists idioms and common phrases to create playful, thought-provoking pieces that delight the eye and mind.
Parrots of the Caribbean, made and quilted by David Charity
Winner of Second Place in the theme category, here is a really fun take on the beloved Disneyland ride called Pirates of the Caribbean with its memorable song: "Yo Ho, Yo Ho, a pirate's life for me." Who didn't love that ride and song?
So many cute details can be seen here, including the smiling crab in the lower left of the piece, and the peg-leg parrot enjoying a bottle of rum. David says: "Growing up in Southern California we were able to visit the park often. I took the ride idea and put my cartoon twist on the theme song. What would a bunch of shipwrecked parrots do on a deserted island?" With his hook for a hand, eye patch, jaunty hat and sword, this Parrot of the Caribbean is ready to take on any and all challenges!
Please visit David and Patricia Charity's website, From Edge 2 Edge, to see portfolios of their work and read about their backgrounds, awards, and upcoming events!
Image credits: Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2025 Quilt Arizona show.
