Making a Documentary Story Quilt with Dr. Joan M.E. Gaither (Drop in Art)

Join educator and artist Dr. Joan M.E. Gaither as she shares how to create your very own documentary story quilt. With step-by-step instructions and guided help for inspiration, Dr. Gaither can help you bring a story quilt to life.

Materials for making your own documentary story quilt are available for pick-up at the Ward Museum while supplies last. All you need to make your quilt is:

・(1) 8x8 piece of light blue fabric
・(1) 8x8 piece of quilting batting
・(1) 10x10 piece of green fabric
・(1) sewing needle
・(1) spool of thread
・(10) safety pins
・any materials you wish to attach to the quilt



About the Artist:
From emancipation in Maryland, to life as a young woman in the 1960s, to Black watermen of the Chesapeake—the story quilts of Dr. Joan Gaither tell powerful biographical stories of her life, the lives of those around her, and the lives of those who came before her. An artist, educator, and 2017 Maryland Heritage Award winner, Dr. Gaither is a master at interpreting autobiographical and community stories through multimedia quilts—sometimes on her own, and often with the assistance and vision of whole communities. Experience her unique exhibit, "Storytelling with Purpose: Documentary Quilts of Dr. Joan M. E. Gaither" on display at the Ward Museum until May 9, 2021. The exhibit features a made-for-exhibit Eastern Shore quilt created with the participation of regional communities engaged in workshops leading up to the show, as well as many of her truly remarkable quilts.




Drop in Art is supported in part by a grant from the Susan K. Black Foundation.