LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A new collection of quilts by Washington, D.C., artist Andrea “Andi” Cullins is now on display in the emergency department at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital as part of MedStar’s rotating art exhibition with the St. Mary’s County Arts Council. The installation is part of a philanthropy initiative that replaces the artwork every three months to create a welcoming environment for patients and visitors.
The exhibit at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is part of a collection titled “Second Life Quilter,” and it features mosaics crafted from hand-cut fabric, with images of nature displayed in three panels. These quilts will remain on display in the hospital’s emergency waiting area through January 2026.
“We’re thrilled to showcase Andi’s incredible work,” Emily Stagner, assistant vice president of philanthropy for MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, said. “The art wall is part of our ongoing effort to enhance the healing environment for patients, visitors and associates by highlighting local talent.”
Cullins began quilting more than 25 years ago, but the work now showcased at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital represents part of her second career. After retiring from a more than 40-year corporate career and completing treatment for cancer, she started crafting quilts as art.
Cullins’s website, secondlifequilter.com, describes her lifelong love for fabric, early exposure to sewing through her family and a creative environment that shaped her skills from childhood. Her quilts often incorporate African fabrics and draw inspiration from everyday scenes. Themes for her quilts include The Scriptures, Nature, Abstract and Small Format (10×8 inches).
Cullins writes that images emerge in her mind and lead her to rethink them in fabric as part of what she calls her “Second Life.” One of her early quilts, “The 144,000 (The Multitude),” demonstrated her blend of African and Western textiles and her interest in reimagining traditional forms.
The exhibit at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital began in June and has included previous displays of paintings by both local and international artists.
“All of the artists featured have been members of the St. Mary’s County Arts Council,” Stagner said. “This partnership has allowed us to provide remarkable works of art that offer inspiration and comfort to our patients, visitors and associates.”
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