CSAT Quilting Project

CSAT Students Quilting Project

The students of Camden School of Arts and Technology’s recently created quilts, under the direction of art education teacher Mrs. Andrews and artist-in-resident, Mrs. Marlene Bennett-Jones. The result is the first ever student-made quilts from Camden. The idea for this project was inspired by a workshop sponsored by the Alabama Humanities Foundation under the direction of Tom Bryant and Professor Nancy Anderson at Auburn University of Montgomery entitled: Prisms of Place that was attended by Mrs. Shernita Andrews, Art Education teacher and other teachers from across the state of Alabama last summer. This workshop taught and enlightened the teachers on taking pride and becoming aware of the Black Belt area along with its rich history and resources. Creating quilts by the students was a way for them to not only gain a sense of pride in the skill that the women of Gees Bend did, but to also learn the skill that was passed down from generation to generation. Marlene Bennett-Jones was raised in Gees Bend and learned how to quilt from her mother, Agatha Bennett. She picked the trade back up after coming home from Atlanta, Georgia to take care of her ailing mother. As a result, she has rekindled a love for quilting that she shared with the art students during a two week stay. The students learned how to thread needles, pin material, stitch pieces of fabrics and clothing from home, into the blocks that are seen in the quilts. They even “Stitched in a ditch” on a wooden horse to get the full affect of putting all the components of a top, batting and backing together to make a quilt. This process keeps the quilt together with the many hand-sewn stitching. The over 100 students enjoyed this project along with Mrs. Andrews, Mrs. Jones and parent volunteer, Mrs. Audrey Pettway.
The quilt was created for viewing by everyone to see the skills of the students in expressing their talents. Mrs. Andrews is very proud of the students’ efforts and the outcome is EXCELLENT! She gives thanks to Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Pettway for their time and energy to help this project to become a success. The students have now experienced not only learning a part of their heritage in quilting, but get to share in the gratification of showing it to the rest of the world.


CAMDEN SCHOOL OF ARTS & TECHNOLOGY
334-682-4514 phone
334-682-5934 fax
Superintendent: Dr. Rosie Shamburger
Principal: Mr. Andre’ Saulsberry
Art Teacher: Mrs. Shernita Andrews
Quilting Artist: Mrs. Marlene Bennett-Jones