That's Sew Gee's Bend

I know most of you are familiar with Alabama's now famous Gee's Bend quilters.  That's Sew Gee's Bend was created in 2007 by Claudia Charley, the niece and daughter of Tinnie and Minnie, these quilts offer a more affordable way to own these handmade pieces. The Painted Shovel in Avondale is now carrying these quilts and I just happened by when they were hanging them out to blow in the afternoon breeze!

Meet the Gee's Bend Quilters

Yesterday was one I've looked forward to for many years.  FINALLY, I was able to meet and photograph some of the now famous Gee's Bend quilters.  They are here for the week participating in Common Threads at the Alys Stephens Center at UAB, along with Groupe Bogolon Kasobane mud cloth makers from Bamako, Mali.  This partnership brings together textile artists from West Alabama and West Africa.  It's free to the public and what I loved the most was the access to interact and move around and watch them work. I took a LOT of photographs, hung over their shoulders while they worked, and asked a million questions.  Everyone was delightfully patient.  The artists from Mali tolerated my weak French, and the Gee's Bend ladies even sang a few spirituals while they worked.  I'm sorry I didn't have a video cam for that!  Today I wanted you to meet these ladies, but this week I'll have more from both groups.  I LOVE THIS "JOB"!

Alabama Art Folk Gallery

The Birmingham Museum of Art has opened a new gallery dedicated to Alabama Folk Artists. Located in the former Young and Vann Building on First Avenue North in downtown Birmingham, it is currently featuring Charlie Lucas's work as well as Lonnie Holley and the Gee's Bend Quiltemakers. I've previously posted Charlie's work here. It's the perfect place to showcase our talented Alabama folk artists. I hope my Birmingham/Alabama readers will pay a visit here soon.