"Upending expectations about quilt displays—traditionally organized by region, form, or motif — “Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories” is a loosely chronological presentation in seven thematic sections that voices multiple perspectives. Visitors see and hear from artists, educators, academics, and activists, and the remarkable examples on view are by an underrecognized diversity of artistic hands and minds from the 17th century to today."

(Quilt Photo: Harriet Powers, Pictorial Quilt, 1895-98)

From The Museum of Fine Arts Boston:

"More than 50 works on view include remarkable examples by an under-recognized diversity of artistic hands and minds from the 17th century to today, including female and male, known and unidentified, urban and rural makers; immigrants; and Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian and LGBTQ+ Americans. Standouts include Pictorial Quilt (1895–98), an icon of the MFA’s collection and one of only two known surviving quilts by Harriet Powers, an exceptional artist and storyteller born into slavery in 1837, and the recently acquired To God and Truth (2019), a vibrantly colorful and elaborately patterned work by contemporary artist Bisa Butler. While celebrating the artistry and intricacy of quilts and coverlets and the lives they document, the exhibition also invites visitors to consider the complicated legacies ingrained in the fabric of American life."

Click Here to learn more about the exhibit.

Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories will be on display at The Museum of Fine Arts Boston from October 10, 2021 to January 17, 2022. See some examples of the beautiful quilts that will be on display below.

Harriet Powers, Pictorial Quilt, 1895-98