This Fall, Philadelphia will be a quilting enthusiasts paradise!

Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt &
African-American Quilts from the Ella King Torrey Collection
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Fall 2008, mid-October through December

Photo Credit: Roman Stripes variation, 1975, Willie "Ma Willie” Abrams (American, 1897-1987). Corduroy. Collection of the Tinwood Alliance. Photo: Stephen Pitkin, Pitkin Studio, Rockford, Il. (Gee’s Bend)

Taking a fresh look at the quilting tradition in Gee’s Bend, Alabama, Gee's Bend: The Architecture of the Quilt, introduces new artists and motifs in works ranging from the early twentieth century through 2005. It examines the resurgence of interest in quilting in the Gee’s Bend community, presenting newly discovered quilts from the 1930s to the 1980s along with more recent work by established quilters and the younger generation they have inspired. It documents the development of key quilt patterns—housetop, courthouse steps, flying geese, and strip quilting—through outstanding examples.

Including 13 examples by leading Southern quilt makers, African-American Quilts from the Ella King Torrey Collection is a traveling exhibition. This collection was formed between 1981 and 1983 while Ms. Torrey was conducting fieldwork on African American quilt-making with Maud Southwell Wahlman. Among its highlights are an appliquéd “word quilt” by the Mississippi artist Sarah Mary Taylor (b. 1916), as well as one of her “hand” quilts, a version was commissioned for the film The Color Purple.

In addition to your docent-led tour of these exhibitions, your group’s personalized, multi-day program could also include:

• A visit to the African American Museum’s Eve Riley Collection, featuring quilts, china and dolls


• A tour of the renowned Barnes Foundation, one of the world’s finest private collections of Impressionist and early modern art


• A visit to Lancaster County including a tour of The People’s Place Quilt Museum featuring Amish and Mennonite antique quilts


• A visit during one of the Philadelphia Falls for the Arts events featuring fine arts, antiques and crafts


• And the signature of all Philadelphia Hospitality programs, lunch or afternoon tea in a private home or private club

Philadelphia Hospitality invites your group to Philadelphia for this unique experience. Custom itineraries can be arranged for half-day and multi-day tours for groups of 10 or more. Remember – these tours can also be used as a fundraiser for your organization, or an exclusive opportunity offered to reward your loyal patrons and supporters.