African American Quilters Guild: 27th? Exhibit September 8-10, 2016 at the Flint Public Library
Free Children’s Quilt Workshop, (3rd-8th grades) with Artist and Award Winning Quilter Marty Calhoun, September 10, 1:30-4:30pm
RSVP to Greater Flint Arts Council by 5pm September 6. Limit 16.

Quilt Lecture September 10, 2pm with Phyllis Stephens, Award Winning Story Quilter

The Flint African American Quilters Guild presents its 27th? quilting exhibit “Sailing Along” at the Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley St., Flint, September 8-10, 2016 in coordination with the Flint Festival of Quilts. Master of African American Story Quilts, Phyllis Stephens of Atlanta, Georgia will talk about her craft Saturday, September 10, at 2 p.m. There will be a free quilting workshop for children in grades 3-8 on Saturday, September 10, 1:30-4:30pm. 

According to Dianna Young, President of the Flint African American Quilters Guild, “This year’s show will feature over 50 quilted items made by the Guild or on loan.” The exhibit can be viewed during library hours; 11a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, September 8, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, September 9 and 10.

Each year the guild creates a raffle quilt. This year’s quilt is entitled “Nothing But Sails.” Proceeds from the raffle help with securing guest speakers and free quilting classes.

Children in grades 3-8 are invited to make a felt quilt to put on a wall or cover a doll. Registration is limited to 16, please call Greater Flint arts Council to RSVP 238-ARTS(2787).

Phyllis Stephens is an award-winning fifth generation quilt maker, considered by critics to be a Master of African-American Story Quilts.  Simply stated her quilts are inspirational.  She has quilted professionally for more than thirty years.  Her quilts have been displayed in some of the most prestigious museums and galleries in the world; such as The Museum of the American Quilter’s Society in Paducah, Kentucky and the Fine Art

Her design process and techniques are cutting edge “My love affair with the art of quilt making is a seed planted inside me by every generation I have knowledge of. Once when I gave my grandmother a quilt she proudly proclaimed, I quilted with the same form and sense of her grandmother.  The stories I tell in my quilts live deep inside of me.  Some works are a collaboration of many stories brought together to make one piece. While others depict defining moments I have chosen to pay close attention to.  Quilting is sometimes thought of as a hard, long, drawn-out process. Not for me.  I am an heir to the culture and value of the African tradition of quilt making. The long process allows me time to travel to some of the sweetest places in my memories. Like the quilting parties I enjoyed as a little girl.  It was there that sewing hands and tall tales flowed one in the same. I enjoy every part, every process and the special privilege of creating a quilt.” (http://phyllisstephensart.com). Her program is co-sponsored with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Flint Alumnae Chapter.

For more information on the exhibit call the Flint Public Library at 810.232-7111. The Flint African American Quilters Guild teach free classes Mondays, noon-4 p.m. at Queen Bee Creations, 719 E. Mt. Morris St., Mt Morris, 810. 686-4600. For more information on the Quilting Guild call Dianna Young at 810.938-7859.