Athens State University is pleased to announce that the “Home, Heart, Heritage: Quilt Project Celebrating Black History” exhibit will be coming to campus on Friday, Feb. 7.

The exhibit will be on display in Athens State’s Kares Library until March 8. A reception will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. Both events will be free and open to the public.

The traveling exhibition is a project undertaken by Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center in Hendersonville, Tennessee, to honor and celebrate Black History Month.

The five double-sided quilts showcased in the exhibit were completed over the course of several years and honor Black Americans who have made impactful contributions to our nation through literature, science, medicine, technology, patriotism and more. The quilts vary in size, with the smallest measuring 53” x 66”, while the largest is 60” x 60”. The exhibit was made possible by an NEA Grant.

“Athens State University is delighted to host “Home, Heart, Heritage: Quilt Project Celebrating Black History,” said Lisa Hoffman, Athens State University Museum Curator. “In the legacy of Gee’s Bend, Alabama quilt makers, the quilts honor African American contributions in five sectors of society: Tennessee Roots; Authors, Writers & Poets; Undertones: Black Women Rise; Science, Medicine & Technology; and Legacy of Patriotism & Valor. Director Cheryl Strichik’s vision is to tour the show in schools, universities and libraries as an excellent example of how visual and quilting arts combine to honor and educate the public about Black Americans who greatly contributed to our country.”

Kares Library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.