Quilting Collages Honoring the Women of Gee’s Bend Alabama

[From the Fall 2023 Showcase of Homes Magazine]

Written By Theresa St. John  |  Photos by Theresa St. John (Unless Noted)

“I count the stitches line by line and watch the thread record the time.”
- Author Unknown

When I attended High School in Franklin, Massachusetts, history held little to no interest for me. Now that I’m older, I’m fascinated with all sorts of history from every era, and in talking with others, I find that many people my age feel the same.

So, when I learn that a student’s artwork featuring their interpretation of the Gee’s Bend Quilts was selected as a semi-finalist being considered for the High School Juried Show being held at The Hyde Collection, I’m intrigued – I’ve never heard of Gee’s Bend, Alabama before, never mind the area’s history, people, and their famous quilts.  

I quickly contact Nez, who attends Waldorf High School, and ask about an interview for a local magazine editor, who will love this story! We meet in late April at Mrs. London’s for a chat over coffee and pastry, we speak about the inspiration, and I’m taught a bit about the women from this southern rural community.

“Enslaved people worked on the cotton plantation named after its landowner, Joseph Gee. Later, the property was sold to Mark H. Pettway.” Nez tells me. “After emancipation, many families belonging to the original ancestors remained in a new role – as sharecroppers.” When the price of cotton dropped in the 1930s, the community faced more dark days. “Then the Federal Government stepped in, buying 10,000 acres of the former plantation.” Nez continues. “They offered loans, which enabled residents to stay in their homes and keep their land rather than join the over six million other African Americans from the rural south who participated in The Great Migration.”   

In the 1960s, Martin Luther King Jr. visited Gee’s Bend. His message encouraged community members to become involved with the Civil Rights Movement. In his impassioned speech, King said, ‘I come over here to Gee’s Bend to tell you: You are somebody.’ To vote, though, they’d need to take the ferry from Gee’s Bend to nearby Camden. “Reacting to this bold move, authorities stopped the ferry altogether, which isolated the residents and cut off even basic services they needed to live,” Nez explains.

This is when local women banded together and formed the Freedom Quilting Bee. It became a workers' cooperative and offered economic independence as well as political empowerment. Their patchwork quilting techniques and traditions began in the 19th century, passed down through many generations, and have made them a force to be reckoned with today – with some quilts selling for tens of thousands of dollars. They have been shown in museums all over the country. “There’s so much emotion and meaning in their work; I was instantly drawn to the stories each quilt represents.” Nez says, while looking at me over the rim of the coffee cup. 

“My quilt collage project was created using paper from thick books used for photo albums or scrapbooks. I tore several pages into colorful pieces and tried to structure the pattern like the artists do in their Gee’s Bend quilting. I’m happy with how it turned out.” Nez shares an excitement and feeling of honor to be considered a contender in the prestigious show. “It’s pretty cool, even if I don’t win – I’ll never forget being recognized.” I’m impressed too!

For the final project in class this year, Nez decided to make one section of a quilt based on the Amish double wedding ring pattern. “They typically use darker, cooler colors in their designs, and I love cooler colors myself,” Nez explains with a smile

Art has always been important to Nez, with showings at the Saratoga Art Center and the fair. Nez hopes to study fiber arts at a design school after graduation. Regarding other plans, a possible internship at Dark Garden Corsetry would be wonderful! In business since 1989, Dark Garden specializes in custom corsets. Nez laughs when I raise my eyebrows in surprise. With shops in San Francisco and New Orleans, Nez says either location would be a great place to work. “I worked on a corset project when I was in 8th grade. It was a lot of fun. I did some research and thought, ‘Why not?’ With chronic back trouble, I needed something with structure and support – corsets provide that. I was happy to learn they can be pretty and functional at the same time.”

When I ask about free time interests, Nez explains it’s all about reading a good book. “My favorite authors/characters include Rick Reardon’s Percy Jackson and Magnus Chase. Both are from the fantasy side of storytelling, and I’m always excited to turn the pages of their books.”

By the time this story goes to print, Nez might be home, returning from the Brown Ledge Camp on Lake Champlain's banks. “I can’t wait to go,” Nez tells me as we wind down our conversation and prepare to say goodbye. “I’m going to be working on the costume side of theatre while there; It’ll be so much fun to learn more about costume design and then see the actors wear what we make during their performances.”  I feel the need to clap gleefully; celebrating joy is a beautiful thing.