Final answer:
Thomas Knauer's quilt "Smart is Beautiful" is most aligned with challenging traditional notions by evolving from a practical item to a form of expression that addresses social issues and stimulates dialogue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Knauer's quilt "Smart is Beautiful" is likely to be categorized as challenging traditional notions (D). The reason behind this is that the art of quilting has evolved significantly over time. Once a means to create practical items for warmth, quilting has become a medium for artists to convey messages and express themselves in the form of art quilts. The quilt mentioned likely goes beyond the traditional three-piece design, instead combining quilting with various art styles to make a statement or address social issues.
The resurgence of quilting in the 1990s saw the transformation of quilts from simple coverlets to decorative wall art that often encompassed cultural, political, and social commentaries. This change matches the description of the quilt in the question, suggesting that it is intended not just to provide physical warmth but to express cultural ideas, challenge conventions, and perhaps stimulate dialogue about political messages, education, or diversity, as found in other quilts of a similar nature.