Tag: Black Lives Matter

African Fabrics in Art Quilts

African Fabrics in Art Quilts

My art quilts are all about Color! Texture! and Movement! Inclucivity and respect are important themes that motivate me. It is no wonder that  African fabrics embody my vision. The contribution of the African fabric to the fabric world is undisputed.

My Earlier  Art Quilts

Travel Enriches
Travel Enriches, 2009

Travel Enriches is one of my earlier quilts. In our early thirties, my husband and I were able take a year traveling around Europe. We encountered people from the world over.We met people from Africa, the Middle Eastern and Asia as well as Europeans. For me traveling is not only about taking in the famous sights. It is about learning how other cultures think and live.  This art quilt celebrates the brotherhood of man.

African Crabs,
African Crabs, 26″ x26″ $1500. fabric art quilt,2010

African Crabs continues in this same vein bringing together divergent fabrics from around the world in this fabric collage. Even in my early pieces,   I  added 3D pieces of found jewelery or items.  An adventure in color for the brave.

Together,We All Win, 50″ h x 33″ w, 2010

I created Together, We All Win for a show with a theme of games. My family was obsessed with football. Of course I thought of the arm action meaning touchdown! The title has a double  meaning two things.To win a game, the team  needs to work together.   The world is a better place when we all work together.  Bright and varied African and international inspired fabrics create the body.

Later Works with African Fabrics

African Abstract, 15″ x 12″, 2016

African Abstract began with the deep red and green fabric in the center of the piece. It was a challenge to find colors that coordinated with it. Serendippity happened when the fabrics had circles and dots on them. Several bone beads hand sewn on continue the movement.

African Woman,15″ x 15″, 2016

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/product/african-woman-art-quilt/

Under the Savannah Shade using African fabrics
Under the Savannah Shade using a mix of African fabrics and other fabrics, 33 ” x 38″, 2017

Under the Savannah Shade has vibrant oranges, greens and yellows. Decorative threads are zigzagged onto fabric and then cut apart for texture.  Quilting with swervy lines from one side of the art quilt to the other adds movement.

In Conclusion

African fabrics bring a unique combination of color, joy, and movement to the textile world. Honor the black experiences by using them in your art quilts.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

Black Lives Matter

There are several shops on Etsy selling African fabrics.

Here is one.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/kame79

Learning more about African Fabrics

Information is provided by Kitenge a fabric and tailor shop in London.

Did you know that African print fabric (commonly known as ‘Ankara’ in West Africa and ‘Kitenge’ in East Africa) were first produced in Indonesia? As early as the 1800s,West African soldiers serving in Indonesia started to import the fabrics into Africa. Later, European traders replicated the fabrics using modern machinery, particularly the Dutch who are one of the main producers of the fabrics today.

Have you discovered African wax print clothing and would like to learn more? Or would you like to know more about the current market and what is causing African textile mills to close?

Continue reading to find out how you can help support the African textile industry…

Method

The method of producing African wax print fabric is called batik, which is an ancient art form. Melted wax creates designs printed onto the cloth. Then the dye is applied usually using  2 or 3 colors. The wax-resist dyeing technique and special machinery  creates the famous crackling effect.

Features & Benefits

The 100% cotton, colourful cloth keeps you cool in hot climates and warm in cold climates. The vibrant and bold anakara fabric prints are fun to wear and make you feel good.

Wearing modern African print clothing can make you stand out in the crowd. Be unique, be different and add some colour to your life!

Hidden Meanings

Tribal patterns and motifs of the wax print fabrics identify each unique African culture . Each design and colour can reflect local traditions and symbols such as the group, marriage and social status of the wearer. Some African women use them as a non-verbal way of communication.

A typical African print fabric shop at a market in Tanzania, East Africa

Current Market 

Sadly, several remaining African textile mills are closing and skilled, local workers are losing their jobs. The main reason being that they simply cannot compete with the cheap Asian imports from countries including China and India sold at nearly half the price!

Counterfeit Fabrics over Originals

Locals are purchasing ‘fake’ counterfeit fabrics over ‘original’ African (or European) produced fabrics because of the price difference, which is understandable due to the current economic climate. The original fabrics are usually sought after for special occasions.

The counterfeit fabrics claim they are made in an African or European country on the selvedge! Yet, sadly the trademarks and logos are  false.

Quality and Colourfastness

However, the quality and colourfastness of the counterfeit fabrics are inferior to the European and West African produced fabrics. It takes the Chinese 1 to 3 months to copy a new design so speed to market is key for the African and European textile mills to differentiate themselves and compete.

African Governments

African Governments should do more to stop the importation of counterfeit wax print fabrics from Asia before it is too late. Otherwise, the designs of African textile mills will continue to be copied and exploited and the local industry will continue to suffer.

Support Small Businesses

Small businesses like us play our part in supporting the African textile industry by producing high quality, African Wax Print Clothing locally using original fabrics that are made to last.

“The customer feedback we have received about our fabrics overall has been very positive and is one of the main reasons behind our success” (Sian, Kitenge Founder)

Ankara Fabrics

Ankara fabrics are easy to fall in love with due to their bright colours and unique designs. Modern afrocentric clothing designs are stylish and fun to wear. Go bolder as it could transform your life (and your wardrobe). Take a look at our latest Ankara styles.

Please help to share this post on social media to show your support for the African textile industry. Raising awareness of the current market situation is really important for its chance of survival.

https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/the-fabric-of-africa/xwISIFA_fBjSIA

Racism:In the Face of Hate We Resist Show

Let Us Breathe, Ann Baldwin May

Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resist,the show  of art quilts at the Textile Center of Minneapolis was originally planned to take place during the one year anniversary of the murder of George Floyd. Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi,the curator along with the Textile Center planned a full week of activities. Artists were encouraged to attend. Safety conditions were in place.Racism:In the Face of Hate We Resist was only one of seven shows curated this year by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. However, the unforeseen timing of events necessitated changes.

Two figures with a African clothing with red,white and blue hearts on a multi skincolored pieced background.
Let Us Breathe,37″ x 35″ 2020

Minneapolis in the News

Racism:In the Face of Hate We Resist

Various news stories from Minneapolis graced the front pages these last few weeks of April, 2021;   accountability for the murder of George Floyd and the passing of a great American leader and favorite son, Walter Mondale. At the very last minute the Center scaled back the events. The curator agreed due to the tense atmosphere.We are all grateful that events proved peaceful in Minneapolis.

Moving  the Show Forward-

The Smithsonian Museum plans on exhibiting selected pieces from the Racism:In the Face of Hate We Resist show. The show could not include the large number of  art quilts. Purchase of several art quilts by the Smithsonian is also in the works!!!!!

On with the virtual show,

Racism:In the Face of Hate We Resist

From the Virtual Exhibition of Racism:In the Face of Hate We Resist at the Textile Center, Minneapolis, MN from their website

An international juried exhibition featuring 63 quilts, Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resistshares stories of resistance and fortitude that have been integral to the survival of Black people in America.

This exhibition is part of Textile Center and Women of Color Quilters Network’s We Are the Story initiative. The exhibition took place in 2021.

Black Lives Matter and Art

Recent Random But Good Acts

Let Us Breathe, Ann Baldwin May

Recent Random But Good Acts demonstated how divergent parts of one’s life can come together and make sense.

Recent Random But Good Acts

Shelter in Place

During the recent Shelter in Place, I was horrified,like many Americans, to see the murder of George Floyd. How to process forward from such a horrific event! Not an easy task! How to even begin  distilling my views? Yet I felt compelled to create something.  A decade had passed since I had created political quilts. It had been so long. I hadn’t even remembered that I had made them.

Finally, I created an art quilt with two black  figures, a man and a woman dressed in African fabrics, appliqued on a variety of skin toned fabrics in the background. Red and blue hearts on their chests represented the love the black people have this country in spite of the fact that the love is not always returned.

We Are the Story,Recent Random But Good Acts
Let Us Breathe, Ann Baldwin May,2020
We are the Story,Recent Random But Good Acts
We are the Story , art quilt show venues.

In the past several years, I had refrained from entering national shows. My focus became local. I choose to show at the juried county Open Studios, local shows and First Friday Art Tour.These events have all been cancelled . When I saw a call for entry, Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resist, I considered entering. Yet, I hestitated. My piece is subtle. Maybe it it time for black artists to shine and take the spotlight. Then I remembered the slogan, White Silence is Violence. I needed to enter the show to show my support to the issue. This slogan rang true to me because that is exactly the way I feel about good men  who are not vocal enough about women’s rights. So I entered my piece and was accepted.

Dr. Carolyn Mazlotti, curator

Dr. Carolyn Mazlotti, founder of Women of Color Quilters Network, is the curator. I had heard her speak  at a Studio Art Quilt Associates(SAQA) conference several years before. She has done an incredible of curating and promoting  the show. There will be seven or more venues. However  at the time of my acceptance, many were still being arranged. So I was not made aware of the venues at all. That was not a problem for me as I sent my art quilt off. But it set the stage for the random event.

wild fires

Plans for the show in Minneapolis continued while wild fires raged in  California. Many fires started due to a spectacular lightening storm  with lightening strikes hitting dry foliage.  Unfortunately, one large fire was nearby in my county. The large property adjacent to my house was on mandatory evacuation. Firefighters were in short supply due to the overwhelming number of fires through the state. Another lightening storm was predicted in several days.  We moved special items to my studio located in a safe spot, downtown. I self evacuated myself to a friend’s house 12 miles away.   Luckily, more firefighters arrived and the forecasted lightening storm was uneventful. In general, the weather cooperated. I returned home after the second storm passed over us. Even though we  were all fine, it  took a week to readjust and recover from the disorientation.

Random Act #1

It was during that first week back home that the first random event happened. I received an email from an old friend, Heidi. She included a photo of my artwork in a Swedish newsletter. What? How did she get my art? How did my art get into a Swedish Newsletter? Heidi and I went to high school together. We had reconnected at a previous high school reunion. As far as I knew she was not Swedish. She graciously slugmailed me Posten,the newsletter of the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Then the random pieces fell together.

We Are The Story
Announcement in Posten,the newsletter of the American Swedish Institute.
Random Act #2

Heidi had previously worked at the American Swedish Institute so she was on their newsletter mailing list. She informed me that in fact she was half Swedish and half Finnish.The American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis is the site of the first venue of the shows. My art quilt was the photo chosen to advertise the new show.

Random Act #3

The newsletter had chosen my art quilt out of many. That is random.

Random Act #4

Then they printed my name along side of the quilt. This doesn’t often happen. If the name had not been prominently shown, my friend wouldn’t have even suspected that it was my art.

As an aside the Textile Center of Minneapolis is one of the major sponsers of this show. The Textile Center’s gift shop was one of the first places outside of my local area that I had shown my work. Unfortunately, it was during the Great Depression of 2006-08. The Textile Center will be final venue of the show in June,2021.

In conclusion, if my friend had not worked at the Swedish Institute, she would not have received the newsletter. If the Institute had not placed my name center stage and very visible, my friend might not have noticed it. So it was with much relief  that I finally undertood how the different parts of my life had  come together recently through rather random connections.

Home
https://carolynlmazloomi.com/
https://textilecentermn.org/wearethestory/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/07/political-quilts2008-2014/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

Black Lives Matter and Art

First of all,We Are the Story represents Black Lives Matter and Art. For example,this is a multi-site initiative of quilt exhibitions.   Above all,Dr.Carolyn Mazloomi worked tirelessly to curate these shows. Furthermore,much thanks to the Textile Center & Women of Color Quilters Network for their ongoing support.

Black Lives Matter and Art

Barbara Eady, “Black Lives Matter” – WCQN exhibit “We Who Believe in Freedom”

September 2, 2020 update from the Textile Center of Minneapolis, MN.

First,Textile Center and Women of Color Quilters Network (WCQN) announced extending the schedule for We Are the Story. To clarify, this seven quilt exhibitions is curated by Carolyn Mazloomi, September 10, 2020 through June 12, 2021.

Black Lives Matter and Art
We are the Story, art quilt show venues.

Group and Solo Exhibitions

Above all,group and solo exhibitions build upon symbols of liberation, resistance and empowerment.Similarly,they  offer visually compelling accounts of the experiences and struggles of Black history.

During this year,Minneapolis became the epicenter of the nationwide protest movement against police brutality in America following the murder of George Floyd.The Textile Center and Women of Color Quilters Network (WCQN) joined forces to create We Are the Story, a multi-venue initiative in the Twin Cities, September 10, 2020, through June 12, 2021.  

Dr.Carolyn Mazloomi, a member of Textile Center’s National Artist Advisory Council is the curator. Previously,she founded the Women of Color Quilters Network. After that,We Are the Story opened in September with exhibitions at Textile Center and the American Swedish Institute.  

We are the Story

Black Lives Matter and Art

Due to challenges related to the pandemic, Textile Center  extended the timeline for We Are the Story into June 2021. That is to say this will ensure that the quilts can be seen in person by as many people as possible.  Furthermore,the exhibition will coincide with the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.  

Two Juried Exhibitions

To clarify,Gone but Never Forgotten: Remembering Those Lost to Police Brutality and Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resist serve as a centerpiece for We Are the Story. Likewise, given the urgency of these issues in America, quilters from around the nation worked quickly. For instance,the calls were open in mid-June to all artists regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, race, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity in mid-June. In short,four hundred and twenty three quilts were submitted by the July 31 deadline. Mazloomi selected 89 quilts for the two exhibitions.

Dr.Carolyn Mazloomi

The First Venue

As part of We Are the Story, the American Swedish Institute  presented the Minnesota premiere of Women of Color Quilt Network’s We Who Believe in Freedom. From September 10 through November 1, 2020. In addition,to honor the 55th anniversary of the Freedom Riders, We Who Believe in Freedom represents works by members of Women of Color Quilt Network. 

We Are the Story also includes four solo exhibitions. 

First, I Wish I Knew How it Feels to be Free
Quilts by Dorothy Burge, Chicago, IL  presented at Textile Center 
Sacred Invocations Quilts by Sylvia Hernandez, Brooklyn, NY
The Protest Series Quilts by Penny Mateer, Pittsburgh, PA
Freedom Rising:  I Am the Story Quilts by L’Merchie Frazier, Boston, MA.

 Organizations taking part include

1.The University of Minnesota’s Weisman Art Museum, Division of Indian Work in South Minneapolis

2.The University of Minnesota’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center in North Minneapolis

3. Homewood Studios in North Minneapolis, Studio 106 in Burnsville

4.St. Catherine University’s Apparel, Merchandising and Design Gallery.  

A series of Zoom Talks

In addition, a series of Zoom talks happened.They included We Are the Story: Let’s Talk about Race presented by Textile Center, Women of Color Quilt Network and Friends. Furthermore,these Zoom presentations  focused on issues of police brutality, racism, and inequities in America. Clearly in support of Black Lives Matter. Lastly,they will also introduce the more than 100 quilters featured in these exhibitions. The Zoom talks will be open to the public. 

WE ARE THE STORY CALENDAR OF
SCHEDULED EXHIBITIONS

Black Lives Matter and Art

Gone but Never Forgotten: Remembering Those Lost to Police Brutality

Textile Center, Joan Mondale Gallery 
September 15 – December 24, 2020 

To be clear,Gone but Never Forgotten: Remembering Those Lost to Police Brutality is a national juried exhibition.For example,it showcases 26 quilts that honor those whose lives were violently. On the other hand,it critiques the targeting and criminalization of Black bodies throughout history. 

Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resist

Textile Center, Joan Mondale Gallery, Mary Giles Gallery, Community Gallery 
March 26 – June 12, 2021 

Clearly,this international juried exhibition, Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resist builds on these narratives. For example by featuring 63 quilts they share the stories of resistance and fortitude. To be clear these stories aret integral to the survival of Black people in America. During this time, quilts from the other We Are the Story exhibitions are  to be exhibited.Clearly a community-wide outreach initiative will provide an opportunity for our community to have one last comprehensive viewing.It is planned  as our community observes the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death.  

We Who Believe in Freedom
Quilts by members of WCQN

American Swedish Institute, Osher Gallery 
September 10 – November 1, 2020 

We Who Believe in Freedom presented in 2016 to honor the 55th anniversary of the Freedom Riders. For example,it represents works by members of WCQN that tell the story of the African American experience. 

I Wish I Knew How it Feels to be Free Quilts by Dorothy Burge, Chicago, IL 

Textile Center, Community Gallery
September 29 – December 24, 2020 

Similarly,Dorothy Burge, a member of WCQN, is a multimedia artist and community activist. To be clear,she is inspired by both historic and current social justice issues. For example,she is one of the strongest voices in Chicago for police accountability and reparations for survivors of police torture. Dorothy will be a featured guest in our Zoom Let’s Talk About Race conversations.  

We Are the Story
Quilts by Penny Mateer, Pittsburgh, PA 

Weisman Art Museum
October 15 – March 14, 2021

Likewise,Penny Mateer is an artist/activist who works with textiles and recycled materials.  Clearly,quilting and embroidery take center stage in her work. Consistently she draws from this rich history of creating functional objects that provide warmth and comfort.  Moreover,fabric is her primary material to establish a shared experience.  After that,discussion sparks around current events. In addition,her social practice centers on a community-made public art project to promote voting. 

Freedom Rising: I Am the Story
Quilts by L’Merchie Frazier, Boston, MA 

Clearly,L’Merchie Frazier is a public fiber artist, quilter, historian, innovator, poet and holographer. Furthermore,she has served the artistic community nationally and internationallyfor more than 25 years.In addition,she has had visual and performance art residencies in Boston, Brazil, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Africa, France, and Cuba.  In other words,her social justice artistic work activates youth. Above all,her work with adults involves a model that levels the playing field.

Sacred Invocations
Quilts by Sylvia Hernandez, Brooklyn, NY 

Lastly,Sylvia Hernandez is a celebrated and self-taught master quilter. She creates timeless, handcrafted works that address community and human right issues. Sylvia is currently the president of the Quilters of Color Network of NYC, co-president of the Brooklyn Quilters Guild. Currently  a member of the WCQN,she teaches at El Puente Academy of Peace and Justice. She has worked with AgitArte  in Puerto Rico. 

Thanks for your support:

Why is being Respectful So Political? Political Art Quilts

Honoring Black Men2020, 11" x 11.5" $125.

Political Quilts Twenty Twenty

It has been said for example that if you don’t care about politics, then you don’t care about life. Politics and life are inseparable. I made these Political Quilts 2020 this Spring in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition,they also speak to the call for attention to the human treatment of immigrants and respect for the essential workers. Similarly,the positive messages of these quilts are of brotherhood and respect.

For a Juried Art Show

For example,Let Us Breathe,(Political Quilts Twenty Twenty)shows a black man and a black woman dressed in African fabrics on a background of many different skin tones. In addition,a shiny red, white, and blue heart decoration speaks to their allegiance to the United States. In short,people can love their country and honor their ancestral roots simultaneously.

Let Us Breathe,Political Quilts 2020
Let Us Breathe,20202, 37″ x 35″, $3200.

An Immigrant Couple

Furthermore,The Border Crossed Us shows an immigrant couple on a background of multicolored skin tones. Most importantly,many of the immigrants from south of the border are indigeous peoples.

The Border Crossed Us,Political Quilts 2020
The Border Crossed Us, 34″ x 30″ $3200.

Honoring Black Men is a smaller piece with the same theme of respect. In the samevein,a disrespect of one is a disrespect for all.

Honoring Black Men
Honoring Black Men,2020, 11″ x 11.5″ $125.

More Political Quilts Twenty Twenty

Petite Field in Spring is a small art quilt highlighting immigrant workers.

Petite Field in Spring
Petite Field in Spring, 2020, 10″ x 12″, $125.

Essential is another small art quilt showing essential workers in a positive fun light.Furthermore, how would we have made it through 2020 without them.

Essential,Political Quilts 2020
Essential,2020, 9.5″ x 10.5″, $125.

Another fun piece, Star of the Show uses Guatemalan fabric for the lady’s dress.

Star of the Show
Star of the Show, 10″ x 11″

In conclusion,these past years  have been  difficult  due to the  attacks on the  truth, voting rights   and  the civil  rights of the minority groups in this country.   First of all, for  our democracy to survive and  thrive,  we  need  a strong education  system  that  is  free  to teach the truth.  Furthmore,everyone’s  vote  and  opinion  needs  to be  counted. Lastly, let there be equal  rights for all!

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/racismin-the-face-of-hate-we-resist/

https://www.ohio.edu/digitalstoryquilt/sectionq.htm

You may be interested in learning more about the history of political quilts.

https://www.ohio.edu/digitalstoryquilt/sectionq.htm

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Why is being Kind so Political? Political Quilts(2008-2014)

African Crabs, 26" x26" $1500. fabric art quilt

Political Quilts (2008-2014)

Clearly, political quilts have a long tradition. For example,quilters have long used fabric to express their political feelings and thoughts. However,the current time is no different. For example,one quilter recently embroidered the former president’s tweets onto a quilt.In short,to hand sew the president’s comments took more persistence and fortitude than I have.

A Politics-Free Zone

Above all,as a politically aware person in these recent years, my art became a refuge of comfort from the news.In other words, a politics-free zone. Most importantly,I had spent my career teaching underserved marginalized groups. In addition,I created fair situations for all genders and nationalities to learn. Similarly, getting students to blossom and prosper is in my bones.

However,during the shelter in place, I  remembered that I had done some earlier political quilts. After that, I looked through my photo files, In short,I surprised myself by the number of political quilts I had made.

Before I was an Artist

I had quilted for many years. Yet,I mark my art quilt career as beginning in 2010. However,I  found several political quilts that I made before that date. For example,in 1969, I had a green Ecology Action Flag decal on my small green car. Clearly,this piece is a reminder of that. Ecology Action began in my home town, Palo Alto,California.

Ecology Flag,Political Quilts
Ecology Flag,2008,
33 ” x 26″

Whimsical Quilts

First of all,Bamanos, Let’s Go With Obama celebrates the election of the first Black president of the United States. Clearly, it is a nod to Spanish, vamanos(Let’s go) and Obama at the same time. What a fun whimsical quilt!

Bamanos,Political Quilts
Bamanos, Let’s Go With Obama,2009, 33″ x 30″

This whimsical quilt, Teaching the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love was created in 2009. Clearly the teaching is a difficult job. We don’t  need politicians  telling educators how to teach.

In retrospect,I originally thought these quilts were small.They are much smaller than the double size bed quilts I  had been making.

Teaching the Toughest Job You'll Ever Love,Political Quilts
Teaching the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love,2009, 33″ x 30″

2010-2014

Clearly,my first art quilts celebrated travel as an enriching activity. For example, I traveled to Europe yet I met Africans, Iranians and Israelis among others. Furthermore the conversations that I had with them gave me a better understanding of their views. Their experiences in the world were different too. People are people.  But at times,we see things differently. In short,I wanted to celebrate meeting people.

African fabrics

Similarly,one of my first art quilts,Travel Enriches used African fabrics.

Travel Enriches,Political Quilts(2010-2014)
Travel Enriches, 2010, 42″ x 42″, $2100.

Likewise, African Crabs does too.

African Crabs,Political Quilts(2008-2014)
African Crabs, 2010,26″ x 26″ $1500. fabric art quilt

Black and White Quilts and a Pop

In 2010 I made I also made, Together, We All Win. A figure made of international fabrics lies on a black and white background.

Together, We All Win,Political Quilts
Together, We All Win, 2010, 50″ x 33″, art quilt

Clearly, Girls Play was a tip of the hat to Title 9 that extended all rights to girls in athletics. However, this opportunity was unavailable when I attended high school.

Girls Play
Girls Play,2010, 35′ x 38″ $2100.

Mexican Folk Dancing

For example,with Homage to a Dancer (2009) and Market Day I wanted to express the color and movement of Mexican Folk Dancing.Similarly, they honor women.Yet,I wanted a male representative.  Furthermore,men dance in El Danzante de Los Viejitos from Michoacan, Mexico.

Market Day,Political Quilts
Market Day,2009, 56″ x 45″$3100.

In Conclusion

To summarize,when one honors underrepresented peoples as I have with my quilts, then I am definitely making political quilts.

Firstly, read more.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/05/african-fabrics-in-art-quilts/

Next, read these.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/08/political-quilts-twenty-twenty/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/09/black-lives-matter-and-art/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/11/mexican-inspired-fabric-collages/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/racismin-the-face-of-hate-we-resist/

Similarly, read these.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/10/recent-random-but-good-acts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/08/black-self-taught-artists/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/11/mexican-dance-fabric-collages/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/07/marion-coleman-art-quilter/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/05/faith-ringgold-quilt-artist/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/05/alice-beasley-fiber-artist/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/08/beaker-blog-reprinted/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

Lastly, read these.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/01/social-justice-sewing-academy/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/06/aclu-and-my-father/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/07/quilters-of-gees-bend-alabama/

You may be interested in reading more about the history of political quilts.

https://www.ohio.edu/digitalstoryquilt/sectionq.htm

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/12/african-american-quilts/

Unique Collector -Eli Leon, collector of quilts and other items

Eli Leon and quilts
Eli Leon and quilts
Eli Leon and quilts

Eli Leon and Lemmy. Photo: Courtesy of Eli Leo Living Trust

Eli Leon Collects Unique Textiles

For 55 years, Oakland  psychotherapist Eli Leon collected unusual textiles. Above all,his collection included kitchiana,  aprons, vintage clothing, traditional standard quilts, and, most famously, Afro-tradition quilts. On the one hand,he bought most items in California.  But he would go on repeated research and collecting trips to East Texas, northern Louisiana, and southern Arkansas.

The Sale of the Unique Collection

This June 23- 25, Geneva and Julie Addison will be selling his collections from his home at 5663 Dover St. in Oakland. Above all,the collections are breathtaking. For instance,they are manifestations of a  collector with a sharp eye for acquiring and displaying  in his home. Moreover,proceeds from the sale will go towards Leon’s care. See their blog about the sale, with more than 500 photographs. However, his Afro-tradition quilts are not included in this sale.

At my Quirky Berkeley blog, I explored Leon’s life, home and collections. Here is a small bit of the wonderful  items that will be for sale this weekend. For example,the first weekend of the sale will deal with the non-textile collections. Then,the traditional quilts and other textiles will be sold later this summer. Further,the sale is first come, first served. Subsequently,it represents a perfect chance to pick up some pre-collected quirky material culture and to honor a great scholar and collector.

Most importantly,Leon’s most famous collection is of African American quilts.  However,his trust plans that the collection will be preserved intact by a museum. Furthermore,the collection includes  100 of the traditional American quilts,. Here are a couple photos.

Yellow double weding ring quilt
Yellow double wedding ring quilt
Red Sampler Quilt
Red Sampler Quilt

Above all,Leon was a passionate and driven and skilled collector. In addition,I have never seen a better opportunity for buying quirky little things.  In other words,visiting Leon’s house will give a glimpse into the world of that driven and talented collector.

Quilt collection
Quilt collection
Quilt collection
Quilt collection

Tom Dalzell, a labor lawyer, created a website, Quirky Berkeley, to share all the whimsical objects. The site now has more than 8,000 photographs of quirky objects around town.It also includes  posts where the 30-year resident muses on what it all means.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/05/african-fabrics-in-art-quilts/

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