Michael Kimmelman of the New York Times called the quilts “some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced.” 

For many generations, the Black women of Gee’s Bend made their own style of quilts, blending design inspirations that their ancestors brought with them from Africa with their own creative input. The result is what Michael Kimmelman of the New York Times called “some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced.” 

Folk art collector Bill Arnett became enchanted by the quilts the moment that he saw them. While the women viewed their quilts as utilitarian items—something to use to soften the feel of a corn-cob mattress or to hang on the walls of their cabins to keep out the piercing wind—Arnett realized that the quilts were masterpieces. He insisted that only fine art museums, not folk art ones, display the works because Bill wanted the highest recognition for the women’s artistry.

As the Gee’s Bend Quilts were put on display by museums all across America, I joined the quilters for the openings, holding trunk shows of my quilt-patterned rugs. My sister and I visited Gee’s Bend several times, staying with Ms. Lucy Mingo and Ms. Ruth Kennedy, sleeping under their quilts, attending church services, and going to meetings of the Quilt Collective. 

Since signing a licensing agreement with the quilters all those years ago, I have tried to be faithful to their designs; therefore, I call my rugs a translation of their work. I try to use the same colors as the quilters did, and I attempt to be as true as possible to the original designs. I also continue to pay the quilters a royalty for the use of their designs; the women retain the copyrights.

Here you can see some of the pieces that I have made. Many are available on a custom order basis. If you do not see your favorite design, please write to us and see if we can make it for you.