Did you know there exists a quilt made by Harriet Tubman?

What about Rosa Parks’ sewing basket?

Fabric with African and African American images

Pearl Bailey’s needlepoint piece

A sewing machine used by Harriet Powers

These and many more Kyra mentions in her list of suggestions. 

After going through Kyra’s list, can you think of others to add?

Post from: Blisstree

Kyra’s Quilting Tips for the New National Museum of African American History

  The continued controversy about Gee’s Bend quilts and the numerous exhibits around the country seem to have increased their popularity and the familiarity of the name.  To read about an exhibit at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, KY and a very balanced article, check out Do quit promoters exploit folk artists? by Diane Heilenman, in the Courier-Journal.com.

Ms. Heilenman also mentions another quilt exhibit in Louisville, African-American Art Quilts, at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft.

Both shows reflect some of the clothesline look and awkward visual competitions that seem to always attend hanging big, bold quilts in large numbers. Yet both shows shine with the wonderful individuality of design that denies the prissy symmetry and careful stitches of conventional patchwork quilting.

Then she follows with an in depth report of quilts purchased, displayed, sold, and reproduced by folk art dealers and promoters.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Related articles:

The Quilts of Gee’s Bend

PBS – The Quiltmakers of Gee’s Bend

Update on Gee’s Bend Quilts & Quilters

Quilters of Gee’s Bend Inspiration for a Play

Post from: Blisstree

More Gee’s Bend Quilt Exhibits & Analysis of Folk Art Promoters