March 2011

The Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC, Offers Quilt Exhibit

The Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, NC, is presenting the exhibit, Reflections, featuring this bi-annual exhibit of works from the African American Quilt Circle, on view in the Lyda Moore Merrick Gallery through Mar. 30, 2011.

The African American Quilt Circle (AAQC), founded in Durham in 1998 by four African-American women (Bertie Howard, Jereann King, Candace Thomas and Helen Sanders) now boasts over 60 members (including one man) and numerous achievements. Their works have been featured in two issues of Quiltmania magazine; in several exhibitions stretching from the Afro-American Cultural Center in Charlotte to annual events at the Hayti Heritage Center to a recent showcase at the National Humanities Center; and on television in a 2008 episode of Heart of Carolina Perspectives.

Although the group has no formal mission, the primary idea at its formation was to preserve the tradition of quilting in the African-American community. Over the years, its philosophy has expanded to include other elements like giving back to the community through donations, teaching opportunities and community-building activities.

Reflections on an idea, thought, concept, experience, event, remark, musical piece, image or action evoke a variety of responses and feelings that vary from person to person. These responses and feelings lead to exciting interactions, discussions and frequently new creations and discoveries. Experience reflections ingeniously expressed in fabrics by the AAQC.

Support for the exhibition is provided by the NC Arts Council, City of Durham and other private contributors.

For further information check our NC Institutional Gallery listings, call the Center at 919/683-1709 or visit (www.hayti.org).

[ | March 2011 | Feature Articles | Carolina Arts Unleashed | Gallery Listings | Home | ]