BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy announced the Airing of the Quilts Festival Awareness Tour, a three-city event series designed to celebrate the artistry and history of the Gee’s Bend Quilters, while building momentum for the Airing of the Quilts Festival in Gee’s Bend on Saturday, Oct. 4.
Officials say the Awareness Tour will stop in Montgomery, Birmingham, and Mobile, offering attendees a rare opportunity to experience an extraordinary collection of handmade quilts, witness live quilting demonstrations, and gain a deeper connection to the rich cultural traditions of quilting in Gee’s Bend.
Tour Schedule:
- Montgomery, Alabama – Saturday, March 22
- Location: Alabama Department of Archives and History, 624 Washington Ave. Montgomery, AL 36130
- Time: 2-5 p.m.
- Birmingham, Alabama – Saturday, March 29
- Location: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, 520 16th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Time: 4-7 p.m.
- Mobile, Alabama – Saturday, April 26
- Location: Historical Avenue Cultural Center, 564 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Ave Mobile, AL 36603
- Time: 3-6 p.m.
“The quilts of Gee’s Bend represent resilience, creativity, and a deep cultural legacy passed down through generations,” said Kim Kelly, Executive Director of the Freedom Quilting Bee Legacy. “Through this tour, we hope to honor the artistry of these remarkable quilters while inspiring more people to experience the full festival in October.”
Officials say the Airing of the Quilts Festival is a signature event celebrating the Gee’s Bend world-renowned quilt-making tradition. It draws visitors from around the world and across the country to experience quilt displays, artist showcases and cultural programming…