Gee’s Bend quilts have been making waves in the world of art and design for the past two decades, capturing the public’s imagination with their vibrant colors and bold geometric patterns. The recent collaboration with Target, inspired by five Gee’s Bend quilters, brought attention to the financial disparities that exist within this art form. While the quilters of the Freedom Quilting Bee in the 1960s were salaried and received benefits, partnerships with companies like Target only benefit a select few individuals.
The history of Gee’s Bend quilts is intertwined with struggles related to commodification and fair compensation. Patricia Turner, a retired professor, highlighted the problematic financial aspects that have plagued the quilters, tracing the roots of commodification back to white collector Bill Arnett in the 1990s. Despite claims from Target that quilters had input in the collection process, the financial gains seem to be concentrated in the hands of a few.
Quilting in Gee’s Bend is not just a creative outlet but a tradition that marks important milestones in the quilters’ lives. From celebrating new beginnings to honoring losses, quilts hold deep meaning for the community. The distinctive designs of Gee’s Bend quilts, characterized by clashing colors and irregular lines, reflect the artistic ingenuity born out of material limitations.
For quilters like Stella Mae Pettway and JoeAnn Pettway-West, quilting is not just an artistic pursuit but a source of solace and connection to their heritage. The paradox of having more resources like fabric and scissors now presents new challenges and opportunities for these artists. Delia Pettway Thibodeaux, a third-generation quilter, sees her grandmother’s legacy preserved in the rhythmic designs that now grace museum collections.
The economic revitalization of Gee’s Bend remains a pressing issue, with limited job opportunities prompting many younger quilters to seek work outside the community. As fourth-generation quilters leave for jobs in education, healthcare, and the military, there is a concern about preserving this rich artistic tradition in the face of economic challenges. The legacy of Gee’s Bend quilts continues to inspire and provoke discussions about art, culture, and economic equity in the modern world.