By the Work of Her Hands

Sheila Lorraine Bligen, "A concrete native (born and raised in new York). Both parents from the Sea Islands of South Carolina.  as a young girl I was told stories of Missy Bligen (my maternal grandmother) and her friends gathering to quilt and smoking cigars.  In 1999 I retired from Verizon.  I went to the local parks and recreation center (St. John's in Brooklyn) and literally walked into a quilting class.  My instructor Ying Goodson insisted that all first quilts should be done by hand and as Missy Bligen and her friends did I cut, piece and quilt by hand."

Sandi Howell, "I am a Colorist! I didn’t know I had a name until I enrolled in an art class in college. After reviewing my work, Sister Mary Frances Judge declared I was a colorist and I have embraced the title with abandon. I remember my mother on many occasions accusing me of dressing like a gypsy. Little did I realize that was the colorist in me trying to break free."

Diane Larrier Collier, "is a life-long avid stitcher.  Her involvement with needle arts stems from birth, as her mother made most of her clothing—from layette to college wardrobe—and taught her and her younger sister to embroider and crochet when they were both pre-schoolers.  Knitting, crewel, needlepoint, rug-hooking, and other non-needle crafts became enduring pastimes that she still enjoys, but machine sewing is her all-time favorite conduit of self-expression." 

Jacqueline Johnson, "is a multi disciplined artist in the mediums of fiber art/quilting and writing.  She writes poetry and fiction. Quilts are not just for keeping one warm, they are healing, bearing history both personal and communal. I did not know about quilting as child, but while I was in college a friend from Detroit was laying out a quilt for a baby.  She in turn showed me what she was doing.  I also remember seeing a quilt at my grandmother’s house and it was an old North Star quilt."

Jackquelynn Jones, "I do not know where my love of creating came from, because I do not come from a family that seemed to have an interest in sewing or the arts.  However, I have always loved to design, draw, sew, knit, sculpt and make dolls. I came into quilting through my small business, making baby quilts from pre-quilted fabrics.  My inquisitive nature led me to making a crazy quilt as a first independent project. While I love traditional quilts, my varied interests draw me to art quilts."

Peggy McGeary, " grew up in rural Pennsylvania were 4H-Club was king and sewing was a required subject in middle school. For years I made my own clothing, tote bags and home deco items. In 1999 I made my first quilt and am

self taught. I enjoy making abstract landscapes using the many hand-dyed fabrics that are available. When asked to curate a show I choose to use an environmental theme:“A Quilters' View of the Changing Environment”. 

Diane Pryor-Holland, "Quilt making is my voice in cloth telling the stories of my experiences.  I enjoy fabric stamping, beading and re-creating traditional quilt blocks by enhancing them with bold colors and embellishments that makes them glow with excitement. My gift of quilt making; though simple, is very humbling, honorable and gratifying for my spirit."

Teresa Vega, "The impetus for her art quilts comes from her identity as an African- American and Puerto Rican woman.  She has created art quilts that are spiritual/religious in nature. Most recently, she has been incorporating old family photograph into her quilts as a tribute to her ancestors. She is a fiber artist who is constantly seeking out new ways to express herself on fabric. She uses mixed media techniques."

Wendi Higginbotham, " was raised by women who sewed and did a variety of hand crafts.  I have always had a deep appreciation for the beauty of hand crafted items and always made the connection between utility and art. My quilts are primarity traditional blocks, but with updated color combinations and or african prints."

Thadine Wormly, "always enjoyed fabrics and what I can be make by joining scissors, thread and your selection of fabrics. The love of sewing began with making doll clothes as a young girl, then upon a brief residence in Miami, Florida due to my parents divorce I was required to take Home Economics in middle school.  This was my formal introduction into the rudiments of sewing, the use of a paper pattern, how-to-read instructions, and finally the step-by-step to assembling a skirt to fit me."  

Minnie Curry, "I have been an artist since age 3. I am a quilter and doll artist from New York City. I am currently a member of the Quilters of Color Network, NY. I am also part of Empire Quilters and the 3D Doll Club of Mount Vernon, NY. I received a Technical science degree from Savannah State College in Savannah, GA. I am employed by the city of New York and a member of the Saint Augustin's Episcopal Church in New York, NY."