By Jay Sowers

The Selma Times-Journal

 

BOYKIN — This weekend, the quilted works of the women of Gee’s Bend — many of them previously unseen works — will be on display for anyone to see up close.

Gee’s Bend Raised will be hosting the Airing of the Quilts exhibit from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday at 124 Rosewood Lane in Boykin.

The works of the Gee’s Bend quilters are known worldwide, but unfortunately, some of their names have been lost to the history books.

This weekend’s event will feature never before exhibited quilts of Marie “Mooney” Pettway, whose daughter, M. Virginia Pettway, wants to shine the light on the work her mother, and the other Gee’s Bend quilters, did.

“Gee’s Bend quilters are known around the world,” Pettway said. “I want to give her some of that recognition for the work she did as a quilter. Along with her work, I wanted to display some of the work of her relatives, too.”

Where as most quilters follow a pattern and try to minimize mistakes, Pettway said the Gee’s Bend quilters tended to follow their own vision while crafting the quilts.

“It’s not about perfection, Gee’s Bend quilting is kind of abstract,” Pettway said. “It’s more of an individual’s mindset and what they want to make.

“Gee’s Bend quilting really embraces what others would call the imperfections.”

Along with the 40 to 50 Gee’s Bend quilts that will be on display, Pettway said audience members will also be able to view wrought iron sculptures designed by herself and her husband, Danny C. Pettway.

“My father used to collect wrought iron pieces, and Danny and I have developed many of our sculptures from the materials he collected, “ Pettway said.

She said the sculptures, like the quilts, tend to be abstract.

Saturday’s event is free.