An exhibit of quilts will open today at the Southeast Missouri State University Museum.

"Artists of the Past, Interpreted Today" is a group of original quilts collected by Betsy Nimock, a St. Louis quilt collector and artist. Nimock collects quilts with strong designs and originality. Many of them are whole, well-preserved quilts that have remained in good condition.

Pat Reagan-Woodard, museum director, said Nimock also finds exquisite "quilt treasures" that are partially ruined or have only fragments remaining. She then rescues the partial quilts, saying they represent nameless women who did precious, beautiful work that should be shared with future generations.

"You will see a variety of quilts and `quilt tributes' at this exhibition," Reagan-Woodard said. "What will strike you is the beauty of the objects, color and powerful designs. This show may take you beyond merely looking to thinking about the lives of nameless women and to remembering events and people in your own heritage."

An opening reception will be held today at the museum from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a slide presentation by quilt expert Jean Crowder from the St. Louis Art Museum. The slide presentation is entitled "A Stitch in Time."

The quilts will be displayed until Jan. 30. Also on Jan. 30, Nimock will present a lecture on the quilts at the museum at 3 p.m. The public is invited to both presentations.

Museum hours through Dec. 20 and again after Jan. 6 are Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Free parking is available.