Kuumba Fiber Works: Artist Stitching their Statements

Kuumba Fiber Works: Artist Stitching their Statements

This group exhibition features fiber works from members of the Kuumba Quilters, and is curated by member artist Carole Gary Staples. This group was founded in February 2020 by Ohio artists Monica Scott and Renée Keels to help not only preserve and promote the art of quilting and culture in the African American community, but to also serve as a support system for African American artists. By the time a location for the first meeting was secured, COVID-19 hit Ohio and it was decided to hold the meetings virtually. This allowed for the inclusion of not only quilters and fiber artists from Central Ohio, but from other parts of the country.

Meeting virtually throughout the pandemic, the Kuumba Quilters shared past and current works, works in progress, shared techniques and conducted robust discussions about exhibiting and the role of African American artists in the fiber art/quilt community. This group, named for “Kuumba” the sixth principle of Kwanzaa that celebrates creativity as a way to build and preserve a strong and vibrant community, now includes more than 15 members from all across America and still continues to evolve and grow. Its members are a true hybrid of new and experienced artists, men and women, and those that have exhibited all over the country and other who have yet to exhibit. This is the first exhibition for this group, and includes fiber artworks that incorporate text and art quilts with unconventional themes and images.

Exhibiting Artists: Cynthia Catlin, Carole Gary Staples, Janet Green, Judy Harris Middleton, Wendy Kendrick, Stefanie Rivers, Monica Scott, Rosalind Thomas, and Renee Wormack-Keels

The public is invited to attend the free Opening Reception on Saturday, August 21st from 6-8pm to meet some of the artists and enjoy some light refreshments.

The Lindner Gallery hours are Tuesdays 12:30 – 5:30pm, Thursdays 1:00 – 7:00pm, and by appointment. Kennedy Heights Arts Center is free and open to the public.

Image Credit: fiber art by Wendy Kendrick, detail