The Richland County Public Library will host the Quilters of Gee's Bend, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 2 at the Koger Center for the Arts, in downtown Columbia. Hear from several of these endearing women as they share their personal stories and the history behind the art of their quilt making at this free event, open to families. The event is free but a ticket must be purchased and will be available beginning Tuesday, September 7. More than 20 of the original, colorful quilts will also be on display at the Main Library, 1431 Assembly St., September 30 through November 14.
The Quilters of Gee's Bend is a group of more than 70 African-American women from a small, rural community in Alabama that is enriched with history and generations of quilters. Their compelling stories, combined with their distinctive and original works of art, offer a fascinating look into their lives and this unique quilting tradition. Their skills were passed down through at least six generations to the present.
The quilts are made from everyday fabric: denim, cotton sheets and well-worn clothing. Most of the quilts are known as piece, strip or patchwork, yet their vibrant color schemes and abstract compositions are not associated with traditional quiltmaking but more like modern art. In the past, the quilts were assembled from discarded fabric and created as blankets, but today are recognized internationally. Numerous media outlets have shared the stories of these quilts, including National Public Radio's Talk of the Nation, Art in America, CBS News Sunday Morning, the Martha Stewart Living television show, House and Garden, Oprah's O magazine, and Country Home magazine.
From September 30 through November 14, the quilts can be viewed during regular hours at the Main Library, located in downtown Columbia, is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Saturday and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Support from AT&T, the Friends of RCPL and the RCPL Foundation has made it possible for the quilters and their art to be shared with the people throughout the Midlands and South Carolina. Other sponsors include, Columbia Chapter of the Links, Inc., Lee Associates, Inc., National Council of Negro Women, Inc. -- South Carolina State Mechanism; and South Carolina Bank and Trust.
For more information on this event and exhibit, please call 929-3457. To find out more about the Richland County Public Library, visit www.myRCPL.com/geesbend.
