A Century of African-American Quilts

Exhibition Website

Nov 15 2016 - May 2018

This exhibit showcases twelve colorful and stunning quilts, half of which have never before been seen by the public, spanning more than a century after 1875. The quilts of African Americans varied widely, depending on the date, location or community, the purpose for which the quilt was made, and the personal artistic vision of the quilt maker. The bold designs and brilliant colors of the quilts speak to a longstanding cultural and artistic tradition within which the women designed and created their quilts. Although none of the quilts were made during the era of slavery in America, several of the quilters represented were born into slavery and others descended from enslaved families. Each quilt maker used the humble materials of fabric and thread to create a bedcover that was warm and practical as well as brilliant in color and artistry. 

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.

  • Fiber Arts
  • American
  • 19th Century
  • Textiles / Basketry / Quilts
  • Various artists

Exhibition Venues & Dates