It can be, definitely. Machine made mass produced quilts are not usually viewed as art, but hand-made quilts, especially pieced quilts, are often works of art.
Because quilting (and other needlework) has been associated throughout history with women, it was not until the advancement of the Women's Movement and Feminism of the late 19th and 20th Centuries that quilting could be recognized as a form of true art. The modern media, including color photography, well-produced magazines, and televised documentaries and classes on quilting also focused attention and appreciation on the art. The American Bicentennial celebrations in 1976 also brought significant attention to the tradition of American Quilting and was key to promoting the quilting revival.
I would look at: Quilting and Abstract art African Art and Cubism (picasso) Patterning and Feminist Art
Vicki Barker has written: 'The fine art of quilting' -- subject(s): History, Patchwork, Quilting, Quilts, Themes, motives
RaNae Merrill has written: 'Simply amazing spiral quilts' -- subject(s): Patterns, Patchwork, Spirals in art, Quilting 'Magnificent spiral mandala quilts' -- subject(s): Patchwork, Patterns, Spirals in art, Quilting
Jaynette Huff has written: 'Holiday heroes' -- subject(s): Patterns, Patchwork, Holiday decorations, Machine quilting 'Stash magic' -- subject(s): Patchwork, Patterns, Machine quilting, Strip quilting 'Quilts from grandmother's garden' -- subject(s): Patterns, Patchwork, Flowers in art, Quilting
Although predicting the future is always risky, it is fairly safe to say that the art of quilting has a very strong following, many dedicated artists and deep roots in culture. It is not likely to fade away any time in the foreseeable future.
Folk arts include quilting, embroidery, and paintings on barn wood.
Sharyn Squier Craig has written: 'Drafting plus' -- subject(s): Patchwork, Patterns, Patchwork quilts 'The wonders of Christmas' 'Colorful Quilts' 'Designing new traditions in quilts' -- subject(s): Patchwork, Quilting 'Design challenge' -- subject(s): Patterns, Patchwork, Quilting, Log cabin quilts, Patchwork quilts, Machine quilting, Strip quilting 'The Art of Classic Quiltmaking' -- subject(s): Patchwork, Strip quilting
Melanie Testa has written: 'Inspired to quilt' -- subject(s): Quilting, Art quilts
Jenni Dobson has written: 'Beautiful Quilts Art Deco Making Classic - Beautiful Quilts -' 'Beautiful Quilts: Art Deco' 'Patchwork, Quilting and Applique - Art of Crafts -'
Joyce Mori has written: 'Dyeing to quilt' -- subject(s): Domestic Dyes and dyeing, Dyes and dyeing, Dyes and dyeing, Domestic, Quilting, Textile fibers 'Dye it! paint it! quilt it!' -- subject(s): Textile painting, Dyes and dyeing, Quilting, Textile fibers 'Sampler quilt blocks from Native American designs' -- subject(s): Patchwork, Patterns, Themes, motives, Indian art 'Cutout Quilts' 'Native American designs for quilting' -- subject(s): Patterns, Quilts, Themes, motives, Quilting, Indian art
Gayle Bong has written: 'Thirtysomething' -- subject(s): Patterns, Patchwork, Quilting, Triangle in art