The WorldBeat Cultural Center is proud to honor the incredible artistry and legacy of the Gee’s Bend Quilters—Black women from the isolated community of Gee’s Bend (now Boykin), Alabama, who have transformed humble materials into world-renowned works of art for generations. Their bold, improvisational designs have been celebrated by institutions like the Whitney Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with critics likening their work to modern masters of abstract art.
Rooted in resilience and survival, the quilting tradition of Gee’s Bend is passed down through generations of women who used scraps of fabric to create functional warmth and stunning visual stories. Some of the most celebrated quilters include Mary Lee Bendolph, Loretta Pettway, Lucy Mingo, and Arlonzia Pettway. Today, the younger generations continue this legacy through workshops, national exhibitions, and educational initiatives that bridge ancestral knowledge with contemporary expression.
We are honored to feature three original quilts from this tradition, created by Sharon Williams, now on display in our current exhibition. Sharon’s work is deeply inspired by the Gee’s Bend aesthetic and spirit, combining storytelling, community memory, and craftsmanship.
We are also excited to announce that WorldBeat Cultural Center will be present at the Airing of the Quilts Festival on Saturday, October 4th, celebrating the power of quilting as a cultural and communal force.
Stay tuned for upcoming programs inspired by the Gee’s Bend tradition, and come experience these quilts in person while they are on display.
“Our quilts are the stories of our lives.” – Mary Lee Bendolph
