Appliqued Quilt 1935 - 1942

This appliqued quilt was made by Mildred E. Bent, who lived from 1855 to 1995. Think of her carefully stitching together these pieces, creating a red and green garden on a pale ground, one block at a time. Each block bursts with symmetrical leaves and blossoms; I can almost feel the rhythm of the needle as it moves through the fabric, attaching each element with care. The hand-made quality makes it so special. There's a tenderness in the imperfections, a visible record of the artist's hand and her dedication to craft and home life. It makes me think about artists like Faith Ringgold who also use quilts as a medium for storytelling. Quilts have this amazing ability to combine visual art with personal narrative and domestic comfort. They speak of heritage, connection, and the quiet power of creativity found in everyday life. Mildred’s quilt reminds us that art is all around and available to be made by anyone!