Since I first heard about the Modern Quilt movement in the quilt world I was intrigued. I have written in the past about my concerns for the next generation of quilters - where are they and why aren't they joining our guilds, coming to workshops? I know there are many Modern Quilt Guilds now, over 150 worldwide and we have one based in Dartmouth NS The Maritime Modern Quilt Guild (they are also on Facebook here) and I think that is terrific.
I was really surprised when my friend Ann gave me an old copy of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine, issue 89 from March of 1977. There on page 8 is an article written by Mary Leman (daughter of the founder of QNM Bonnie Leman) under the banner Modern Quilting is "Rock Star A QN Original Design". That was written 37 years ago! 
I have been in touch with Mary and she has graciously given me permission to share her article here.
We are seeing 'modern quilts" show up at our Guild's show and tell.
Vicki's fun modern quilt Converging Corners, came from a tutorial here
Sandra's quilt Popsicles has a wonderful "modern" feel and look, the fabrics are her own hand dyed and snow dyed fabrics. It's not a pattern but it's not an original idea. It was done following the technique of improvisational piecing by Melody Johnson. Sandra quilted it on her Bernina....quilting a series of narrowly spaced ....."somewhat "straight lines.
I made this Fireside Log Cabin (started in a Heather Stewart workshop) which I called Log Cabin Renovations, it kind of has a "modern" look though it wasn't my intention when I started. Funny thing, I selected the fabrics based on the orange print to pick up the greys and white, I took the workshop just a few days before I had cataract surgery. After the surgery I was amazed how much colour was in this quilt and that it wasn't just greys and whites! The quilt was beautifully machine quilted by Lynn Jones.
While looking up a reference for a quilt I made back in the '80's which was inspired by a crazy quilt I saw in a Quilt Engagement Calendar. I was looking through calendars from1980 - 1985 and I was surprised by some of the quilts that had a distinctly "modern look" using today's terminology of "modern".
Wall quilt made by Carol Anne Wien, 1981.
Straight Furrow Log Cabin, unknown maker, 1890-1910. Sure looks modern!