Our Philosophy:
The purpose of the Sisters Of The Yam African-American Quilters Guild is to foster the art of quilting as it relates to the experience of African American women both past and present. Our goal is to:
- Provide an environment where all participants can freely express themselves through the art of quilting.
- Encourage the development of each individual’s creative process through self -expression in textiles, fabrics and or found objects.
- While putting together our quilts, we will let the quilt “speak” to us--Allow ourselves to be led by what we “feel” is right and not what others “think” is right.
- Advance the spirit of quilting utilized by our foremothers in African American quilting: the “spontaneity of non-technique”--the “make do with what you have”.
- Utilize traditional western techniques, instruments, patterns as point of reference rather than the accepted standard of quilting.
- Link (or search for linkages) between quilting and African and African American History, culture, literature or other art forms to share with the group.
Our Commonality:
At the first meeting, we discovered that everyone had one thing in common: we all have used or currently use quilting, sewing, crochet, knitting or some type of handwork as a tool for healing: as our “yam”. We quilt when times are tough, when we want to pray, and when we want to connect to our ancestors. Through this process, we express the innate ability of Africans of the Diaspora to self-heal and to persevere through tough times. This is a testimony to our resiliency.
We all give honor:
- first to God for bestowing us with the gifts of our talents
- the women in our families who taught us to sew, quilt, cook, love and nurture.
- to sister bell hooks- author of “Sisters of the Yam”--A black woman’s guide to self-discovery
- to Sister Toni Cade Bambara- “The Salt Eaters”
- But most of all, to all black women around the world who practice and share ancient handwork through folk art expressions.
Our Coming Together:
Our standing meetings are held on the fourth Sunday of every month at 3:00 p.m. at the Black History Museum, 00 Clay Street in Jackson Ward, Richmond, VA. Membership is by invitation only.