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International quilt show features local artists, quilts from inauguration

Contributing photo by E.L. Hubbard "In My Time", by Rosalind Thomas, Hamilton, Ohio, on display at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce as part of the exhibit "The Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama."

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'Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around' by Dr. C. L. Mazloomi is featured in The Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama show at the National Afro-American Museum.

Provided 'Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around' by Dr. C. L. Mazloomi is featured in The Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama show at the National Afro-American Museum.

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By Pamela Dillon and Amanda Seitz
Contributing Writers Updated 5:17 PM Monday, March 1, 2010

Inspiration, stitch by stitch.

“The Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama” explores the historic election of a black president with quilts from a wide range of styles: art quilts, folk art and traditional quilts. The exhibit at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Wilberforce illustrates a broad range of techniques and materials, including piecing, painting, appliqué, embroidery, dyeing, photography, beading and digital transfer.

The quilters are from around the world, representing China, Dubai, Jamaica and Mexico, in addition to artists from the United States, including several Butler County residents.

Internationally known quilt artist, author and historian Carolyn L. Mazloomi of West Chester Twp. curated the show. She’s brought together a diverse group of 95 fiber artists representing a variety of races, generations and religions. The exhibit will remain at the museum for a year before touring the country and different parts of the world.

“This particular exhibition is a traveling exhibition and it opened in Yokohama, Japan, in September,” Mazloomi said.

From Japan, the show moved to Wilberforce, with a final stop scheduled for South Africa.

West Chester Twp.’s Carol Gary Staples’ quilts “Inspired Change” and “Unparalleled Journey” can both be found hanging at the Wilberforce exhibit. Staples’ quilt “Inspired Change” was one of 44 quilts at President Obama’s inauguration.

“Being an African-American in my late 40’s, this is an unbelievable event for us,” Staples said. “We just didn’t think it’d happen in our lifetime, we didn’t know the country was there yet. It’s really personal for us.”

Mazloomi said she believes all the quilters found deep meaning in the 2008 election.

“Artists featured in Journey of Hope in America were moved by the historic campaign and Obama’s vision to mark the occasion with a commemorative quilt,” Mazloomi said.

Hamilton’s Rosalind Thomas felt the need to tell the story of the election with her quilt “In My Time” which was featured at the inauguration and is in the Wilberforce exhibit.

“The feeling was in the air,” Thomas said. “I just needed to tell a story.”

Thomas said her quilt shows the progression of black people, starting with slavery on an American plantation and ending in the White House. She said quilts can be used as a historical model.

According to Mazloomi, there are three recurring themes that speak to the importance and value of President Obama’s election: hope for a brighter future, paying homage to freedom fighters, and participation in the voting process.

‘‘The Journey of Hope in America: Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama’’

Where: National Afro-American Museum, 1350 Brush Row Road, Wilberforce
When: Through Dec. 18
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
Cost: $4 per person, $1.50 ages 6-10/college students, free for Ohio Historical Society members
More information: (937) 376-4944 or ohsweb.ohiohistory.org

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