Quilt Art: Examining the Narrative in Kentucky Quilts

Based on historical records, secondary sources, and oral history interviews with quilters across Kentucky, Dr. Pearlie M. Johnson discusses 19th century quilts made by black women living and working on slave plantations, traditional quilts made by African American women of the 20th century, as well as contemporary art quilts made by women of all cultural groups of the 21st century. Her work explores women’s history, storytelling, identity politics, social activism, and empowerment. Her study of quilts in Kentucky is aimed at examining cross-cultural parallels in technique and assemblage, as well as revealing unique designs.

Dr. Pearlie M. Johnson is professor emerita of Pan-African Studies and Art History at the University of Louisville.

This program was funded in part by Kentucky Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.