Scalawag
By Ellison Langford
December 2019
The labyrinth of cement block hallways is spangled with quilts. Each is a soft, brilliant gem against the dull walls. Each shows a different fantasy breathed into life. Some are an exploration of the rhythm of embroidery, the vivid threads weaving patterns of vines and flowers. Others depict a single image–one a bouquet of hand-beaded forget-me-nots, another a little girl dressed for Sunday school. Few are the expected blocks of squares and triangles set off by a border. It’s an exhibit for the Atlanta Quilt Festival–a month-long celebration of stylized African-American quilts through workshops and exhibitions.