BELFAST — Miniature Echoes: Through the Art of the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers, an exhibit by fiber artist Susan Hess, will be on display January 31- February 29, 2024, in the Kramer Gallery of the Belfast Free Library. The exhibit is in recognition of Black History Month. 

In 2006, the U.S. Postal Service chose ten quilts created by the women of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, and issued a book of 39¢ stamps as “American Treasures: Quilts of Gee’s Bend.” Inspired by the exhibit of the quilts at the Philadelphia Art Museum, the life stories of the women of Gee’s Bend, and the recent pandemic and social unrest, Hess replicated the ten stamps in miniature using weaving and embroidery techniques.

The framed miniatures will be on display in the gallery along with images of the original stamps, and two original quilt pieces by Gee's Bend Quiltmakers, China Pettway and Stella Mae Pettway.

On Tuesday, February 6, from 3 - 5 p.m., there will be an artist talk and reception in the Kramer Gallery. At 4 p.m., Hess will give a brief history of the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers and how her project unfolded. All are welcome, light refreshments will be served.

Hess self-published an autobiographic book entitled ‘Miniature Echoes Through the Art of the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers‘. She exhibits the artwork and presents programs to share how endeavors of creative imagination can reorient the societal, cultural and personal considerations of one’s awareness. Books and note cards will be for sale at the reception.

For more information please call the library at 207-338-3884 ext 10.

The Kramer Gallery is located on the ground floor of the library, 106 High Street in Belfast.