Narratives of the Soul

Narratives of the Soul presents significant African American story quilts drawn from the Spencer Museum’s collection as well from the Kansas City and Lawrence region. The show complements the nationally touring exhibition of narrative quilts And Still We Rise: Race, Culture, and Visual Conversations. 

The objects in this exhibition deal with complex themes of racism, discrimination, Kansas history, and African heritage, as well as specific communities and local history. National artists include Faith Ringgold, who will visit Lawrence to give a keynote lecture at the National African American Quilt Convention, and whose Flag Story Quilt is a star of the Spencer Museum’s permanent collection. Other featured artists include Marla Jackson, Sonié Joi Ruffin, Sherry Whetstone, and NedRa Bonds from this region, as well as Patricia Montgomery from California. Historic quilts by former slave and Lawrence resident Maria Rogers Martin serve as a centerpiece.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website