Oakland's Stories, Told Through Quilts

Mar 1, 2016 at

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(Marion Coleman)

The African American Quilt Guild of Oakland has been producing beautiful quilts and teaching the craft for more than 15 years. Recently, the guild turned its attention to creating quilts that tell the stories of its hometown. The results are dramatic works that recall themes as varied as the Oakland firestorm of 1991, fog on Lake Merritt and police brutality. Forum talks to members of the guild about the African American community’s tradition of quilting and its current exhibit, “Neighborhoods Coming Together: Quilts Around Oakland.”

Some Quilts from the Exhibit

"Lake Merritt Foggy Morning" by Alice Beasley

Guests:

Marion Coleman, professional quilter; member of African American Quilt Guild of Oakland

Fran Porter, member, African American Quilt Guild of Oakland

Marie DePorres Taylor, president, African American Quilt Guild of Oakland

Patricia Turner, professor of African American Studies and World Arts and Cultures, UCLA; author, "Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters". member, African American Quilt Guild of Oakland