Relevant Material: Contemporary Quilting in North Carolina

January 21 through March 27, 2026

Dating back to ancient Egypt, quilting has been used for both necessity and adornment. It has been a rich tradition throughout American history, from the Indigenous tribal communities and early Puritans to the contemporary quilts of today. 

Although many quilts were made for practical purposes and featured the use of recycled materials—including worn or outgrown clothing swatches, as well as repurposed feed and flour sacks—others incorporated decorative elements and elaborate fabrics for aesthetic purposes. 

Many of us may have sentimental attachments to heirloom quilts that have been passed down through family members, instantly transporting us back to a cherished memory or a feeling of comfort. These textiles are archives of our histories, representing the traditions of handiwork and serving as remnants of the times in which they were created.

Relevant Material: Contemporary Quilting in North Carolina brings together the textile works of Kimberley Pierce Cartwright, Sydney Lee, and Michelle Wilkie. Though each artist has a unique style, they all represent the continuation of a rich tradition that blurs the lines between art and craft.

~Stacy Bloom Rexrode, Curator