Sunday, Feb. 8: “African-American Quilts: Many Myths, Many Perspectives” at the Carnegie Center.

(News release)

The Carnegie Center for Art & History is pleased to invite you to a special talk “African-American Quilts: Many Myths, Many Perspectives” with internationally recognized quilt historian Shelly Zegart. The program will be this Sunday, February 8, 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Carnegie Center in New Albany, Indiana.

Ms Zegart will discuss prevailing scholarship and differing perspectives on African-American Quiltmaking, including those related to the Underground Railroad and Gee’s Bend. She first began to analyze the origins of differing views while involved in the 1991 production of the landmark African-American quilt exhibition and catalogue,” Always There, the African-American Presence in American Quilts” curated by Cuesta Benberry. Zegart became more aware of the myths and misperceptions about African-American quilts as time went on and began to speak and write on the topic. She believes that cascading misperceptions over the years, beginning in the late 1970’s, are largely responsible for the public’s willingness to accept the “stories” and myths that have built up around quilts and the Underground Railroad. This free program is part of our African-American History Month events. You will also have the chance to view our permanent exhibition "Ordinary People, Extraordinary Courage: Men and Women of the Underground Railroad" and our temporary exhibit "Form, Not Function: Quilt Art at the Carnegie."

The Carnegie Center is located at 201 East Spring Street in New Albany, Indiana. Further information is available on our website or by calling 812-944-7336. For information about Shelly Zegart, visit her website.

We hope to see you this Sunday!

Karen Gillenwater
Curator
Carnegie Center for Art & History