Instructed by Claudia Pettway Charley and Andrea Pettway Williams, participants will learn quilting techniques used for generations in Gee's Bend (Boykin), Alabama. The instructors also share history and traditions of the Gee's Bend community, as well as their personal experiences growing up in Gee's Bend.
Participants will use these techniques to create their own Gee’s Bend inspired fiber piece. Sizes will vary depending on the participants’ preferences. Participants are asked to bring any fabric they would like to incorporate in their square—about a quarter yard of fabric of both solids and prints is recommended. The more variety the better! This class is for ages 18+. No experience necessary - all levels of experience welcome.
Attendance is limited to 10 participants. The minimum for this class is 6, and if the minimum is not met, participants will be refunded.
This class will be held on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 1-4 PM and Saturday, July 19, 2025 from 9-4:30 PM with an hour break for lunch (not included).
About Claudia Pettway Charley: “When I was a small child, I would play underneath my grandmother’s quilting frame that covered most of the living room,” explained Claudia. Her grandmother, Malissa Pettway, her mother Tinnie, and Aunt Minnie are accomplished quilters from Gee’s Bend, Alabama. Although Claudia says she had no special training, she is the fourth generation of Gee’s Bend Quilters. Claudia’s artistic ideas follow the Gee’s Bend style that comes from the heart, but when “energized” she uses brighter colors. She works early in the morning with all types of fabric all around her—including cotton, denim, and linen. Claudia can create the small pieces in one day; however, wall art and larger pieces take two to three weeks to complete. Claudia attributes her artistic style to the Black Belt region of Alabama. She says the freedom of feeling and expression with “no rules or judgements, just you and your material,” is an essential part of her process.
Claudia is the CEO of That’s Sew Gee’s Bend and has taught privately with Alabama Folklife, Hobby Lobby, and other small groups. That’s Sew Gee’s Bend’s work is available at Kentuck Art Center’s Gallery Shop, Alabama Goods in Homewood, The Birmingham Museum of Art, and Goat Hill Art Museum in Montgomery.
About Andrea Pettway Williams: Andrea Pettway Williams has exhibited her work in the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Andrea is the daughter of Lorraine Pettway; she and Claudia are cousins.
This workshop is sponsored in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts.
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