NORWICH – Is it a quilt, or is it art?

Elena Marin says her work in an artistic expression incorporating many items and materials.

“It is about the freedom of fabrics, found objects, beads and all kinds of fibers,” she said.

Marin, an Oxford resident and renowned quilter, is this month’s featured artist at The Cafe Connection in downtown Norwich. The coffee shop/restaurant/gallery is currently showing more than 20 of her original pieces.

“Elena takes an enthusiastic approach to quilting that is innovative, and done in a non-traditional way,” said Rebecca O’Connor, Cafe Connection’s gallery coordinator. “Her work is unique. It’s a question: ‘Is it a quilt, or is art?’”

Marin was born in Romania and lives in Oxford. She began quilting in the United States about eight years ago, she said.

“Art was always part of my life,” she said. “Quilting I started here in 2001 and never stopped since.”

Marin’s pieces are made with hand-dyed fabrics – some have Swarovski Crystals sewn in – and have been sold across the country. About two dozen are for sale at the Cafe Connection. Four have been purchased already, O’Connor said. She also does work on commission.