Audacity of Hope: Honoring the Legacy of the Gee’s Bend Quilters

I am deeply honored that my Audacity of Hope quilt received an Honorable Mention at the Coastal Prairie Quilt Guild’s 2026 Peace by Piece Quilt Show, held at the Stafford Centre on July 10–11.

This quilt was born from an unforgettable experience at the Gee’s Bend Retreat, where I had the privilege of listening to Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway share their stories. Their words brought history to life and revealed the remarkable strength, faith, and determination that sustained generations of women through hardship.

Audacity of Hope is my tribute to the women of Gee’s Bend, whose quilts became symbols of resilience, resourcefulness, and enduring hope. Working with whatever materials were available, they created extraordinary works of art that continue to inspire quilters around the world. Their creativity reminds us that beauty can emerge from adversity and that hope has the power to carry us forward, even in life’s most difficult seasons.

Receiving this recognition is especially meaningful because it honors not only my work but also the legacy that inspired it. My hope is that everyone who views Audacity of Hope will see more than a quilt, my hope is that they will see a story of courage, perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of hope.

I dedicate this honor to the women of Gee’s Bend, whose artistry and spirit continue to inspire generations of makers, dreamers, and storytellers. 🤎