ABout Needles & Threads
The Quilting Pavilion was introduced to the African Festival of the Arts during the early 90's in recognition and celebration of quilters who documented through their quilts the story of the Black diaspora experience and our global struggle for freedom and liberation from all forms of oppression as Africans in America, festival founders appreciated the cultural connectedness between Africans and Black Americans as seen through our shared use of textiles, weaving, sewing and quilting traditions. Members of the Needles and Threads Quilt Guild of Chicago shared our vision and through their connection with Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi were able to bring to the festival iconic quilts by Faith Riggold considered the godmother of contemporary art quilt making. Dr. Mazloomi shared her wealth of knowledge and quilt-making history with festival attendees and continues to advance the Black quilting tradition as an important high art form.
”I personally applaud the creative genius of the quilters whose works serve the utility of keeping us warm during Chicago's cold winters, offer us ornate beauty for our homes and heirloom collectibles to share with future generations. AIH is grateful for the art, contributions and partnership with the Needles and Threads Quilt Guild."
- Patrick Woodtor, Executive Director, Africa International House USA, Inc.
