Happy Juneteenth to all! It’s crucial to acknowledge significant days in our country’s history and remember the hard-fought battle for everyone’s rights. In honor of this day of black American liberation, we are reposting one of the top favorite posts on the site. Last year, Caitlin delved into the world of quilting and explored the history of the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers, resulting in an informative and wonderful post. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re in for a treat. And if you have, we invite you to read it again to fill your design heart. Let’s continue to celebrate and honor our black designers and craftsmen. Enjoy this offering.
Let’s play a game: how many modern American artists can you name? Take a moment to think about it. Maybe you thought of Rothko, Ruscha, Warhol, or Walker. Perhaps your mind wandered to international artists like Matissa, Klee, or Mondrian. All good guesses, but not quite what I’m looking for!
Need a hint? I’m referring to a centuries-old artist collective whose works have been praised by the New York Times as “some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced.” Collectors like Ray Eames, Jackson Pollock, and Vogue editor Diana Vreeland have admired their pieces, leading to collaborations with notable institutions like Target, Anthropologie, and even the USPS. Art critics have lauded their stunning art pieces as “so eye-poppingly gorgeous that it’s hard to know how to begin to account for them,” with their work now part of the permanent collection in over 40 museums across three continents.
Stumped? You’re not alone. That’s why today, I’m taking over the blog to introduce you to the world and work of the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers. If you’re unfamiliar, get ready for a delightful surprise. And if you’re already familiar, get ready for another delightful read!
Earlier this year, I embarked on a journey into the world of quilting. It all began out of necessity, with a touch of delirious self-confidence, a timely sale at JoAnn, and a beginner sewing class that resulted in the ugliest pillow ever crafted. But to my surprise, I fell in love with quilting. Isn’t it amazing when that happens?
So a few months ago, eager to expand my knowledge, I turned to the library. There, I discovered a book by the Modern Quilt Guild. Inside, I stumbled upon two pieces by the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers – a Housetop quilt by Nettie Jane Kennedy and a Bricklayer quilt by Loretta Pettway, both of which found a home at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston – that left me in awe.
Meet the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers
America Arent Art Artists Critics Deemed Household Miraculous Modern Produced Works