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2024 Alabama Folk School Catalog

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2024 CATALOG

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A L A B A M A F O L K S C H O O L

2 0 2 4 C A T A L O G

CONTENTS F E AT U R E S 3

D I RE CTO R’ S N OT E 4

A H I S TO RY 6

PL A N N I N G YO U R V I S I T 9

CA M P U S M A P 10

C L A S S S PAC E S 12

POLICIES & I N FO RM AT I O N 26

C OV E R S TO RY: G E E ’ S B E N D Q U I LT E R S

WORKSHOPS 14

F RO M S C R ATC H 16

B LU E G R A S S & GEE’S BEND 18

YO U T H FO L K CA M P 20

S E P T E M B E R S A M PL E R 22

OLD TIME & GEE’S BEND 24

C RE AT I V E RE T RE AT

A very special thank you to the talented Jenna Mobley who took most of the beautiful photos in these pages! (jennasheaphotography.shootproof.com) Catalog designed by Jordan Jarvis Hughes, AFS Registrar

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D I R E C T O R ‘S N O T E

The

Alabama

Folk

School

was founded as a way to enrich lives and reconnect people to music, art, and each other. Our mission is to provide the opportunity for people to work creatively with their hands, minds, and spirits in a welcoming environment that is both invigorating and restorative.

Clear Creek, bordering the Bankhead National Forest and Sipsey Wilderness, our campus provides guests with the chance to retreat in nature. Whether you’re hiking sandstone canyons or sitting cozy in a rocking chair, the beauty and peace of this place is an undeniable part of the experience.

We preserve Alabama’s cultural heritage by offering classes in traditional crafts like basket weaving, blacksmithing, and the homesteading practices of cooking, canning, and quilting. Our annual bluegrass and old-time workshops bring expert instructors and students of traditional music from around the country. Situated on the banks of

Our passion for cultural preservation extends beyond the crafts and musical traditions themselves to the sense of connection and community formed when we gather to make things together. We hope you’ll join us for a class, but also for the conversations, the respite, and the deep satisfaction of connecting to your innate creativity.

Caitlin Lollar Alabama Folk School Director

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LOOKING BACK

ALABAMA FOLK SCHOOL:

A H I S TO RY While

the

Alabama

Folk

School

began in 2007, our founding is part of a long history of gathering at Camp McDowell for creative learning, rest, and spiritual growth dating back to the 1940s. Our campus sits on the traditional hunting lands of the Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Cherokee people. Bordering Clear Creek and the Bankhead Forest with the Sipsey Wilderness just north, we are surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful hardwood forests, sandstone canyons, and waterfalls. This land was purchased from several local families and landowners in the 1940s by the Ep-

isocpal Diocese of Alabama for the purpose of a permanent summer camp facility. The first summer sessions were held in 1948 using repurposed army barracks purchased and moved from Anniston, AL. Since then, Camp McDowell on Clear Creek has continued as a beloved summer camp community while expanding to include conference center facilities (1978) and multiple year-round educational departments. The McDowell Environmental Center (1994) and Farm School (2012) use exploration and hands-on learning to 4 | 2024 Alabama Folk School

teach the importance of sustainable land stewardship to students and teachers from around the state. Inspired by the written collections of Foxfire in North Georgia, Camp McDowell’s former director Mark Johnston set out to create a space for adults to work creatively with their hands, minds, and spirits, a mission that still drives us today. He enlisted the help of then-Alabama Folklife Association Director, Joyce Cauthen and her husband Jim, as well as Alabama Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Herb Trotman and his wife Kathy. Together with then AFS Director, Danielle Dunbar, they recruited expert makers and musicians from around the state to teach the first Alabama Folk School workshops in 2008. These early workshops were rich in Alabama history, including Gee’s Bend Quilting with Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway, Native Pottery with Cherokee descendent Ruth Manasco, and Sacred Harp Singing, which has deep roots in Winston County. Clare’s Cottage, a solo retreat space tucked away off Tiller’s Road, was even begun with the help of folk school students in 2009. As the folk school offerings continued to grow, plans took shape for an extensive expansion of Camp McDowell. In 2015, Bethany Village was completed, which brought the size of McDowell’s property up to 1,140 acres, almost doubling the size of our campus. The space is universally accessible with seven lodges, ten bunk cabins, a large dining hall, lake, zero-entry pool, and several other buildings utilized by the folk school, including the Nativity Art Studio, Roger’s Teaching Kitchen, Pop’s Blacksmith Shop, and Hall Hall, where we host concerts and dances. Seventeen years after our founding, we’re looking forward to another full program year with students old and new. We’re lucky to have many of the same great minds who founded AFS (plus several more) supporting us in planning, teaching, and even taking classes


Photos, L to R, Top to Bottom: Today’s entrance to Camp McDowell | 1979 kitchen staff outside Eppes Hall: Ida, Louise, Essie Mae, Sharon Delong Yelverton, Earline, & Duncan Holcomb | Building Eppes Dining Hall | Ernie Arrant, Duncan Blair, & Joyce Cauthen at Old Time & Gee’s Bend, 2023 | Ernie Arrant, Joyce Cauthen, Kathy Hinkle, Chris Christensen, Jim Cauthen, & fellow students in 2009 | One of Camp’s Founders, Bishop Carpenter, 1946 | Clear Creek, September 1946

themselves. We’re continuing confidently with an immersive experience that allows students to engage fully with their instructors and subject matter while setting aside the noise and responsibilities of daily life. 2024 Alabama Folk School | 5


GETTING THERE

PLANNING

your

VISIT

Located at the McDowell Camp and Conference Center, Alabama Folk School sessions take place amidst 1,140 acres of lush forest and fields, breath-taking scenery, waterfalls, and canyons. We offer workshops of varying lengths, from 1 to 4 days. Instruction times range from 12 hours for a weekend workshop, to 15 hours for a 3-day workshop, and 21 hours for a 4-day workshop. Our small class sizes allow students to fully engage with their instructors in a meaningful way. Classes are offered throughout the year and vary year to year. During your visit, you may choose to stay in our comfortable, air-conditioned, hotel-style lodges in Bethany Village or our dorm-style Bethany’s Cabins. You will enjoy three delicious meals a day 6 | 2024 Alabama Folk School

Photos by Jenna Mobley & Blakeney Cox

during your stay. Example meals include: Breakfast: biscuits, scrambled eggs, bacon & grits (OJ, coffee, tea, jelly, fruit bowl, cereal bar); Lunch: barbeque sandwiches, cole slaw, & baked beans with green salad always available; Dinner: oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, &

dessert with green salad always available. Our kitchen staff is also happy to make dietary accommodations, just let us know at registration! You will be kept busy with the class of your choice, but will have plenty of time to explore the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the community that devel-


105 DELONG ROAD, NAUVOO, ALABAMA 35578

S A M PL E S C H E D U L E THURSDAY 4:00-5:30 PM: Student Check-in, Camp Store 5:00-6:00 PM: Wine & Cheese Social, Phifer Hall 6:00 PM: Dinner, Doug Carpenter Hall 7:00-8:30 PM: Class 1 FRIDAY 8:00-8:45 AM: Breakfast, Doug Carpenter Hall 9:30-11:45 AM: Class 2 12:00 PM: Lunch, Doug Carpenter Hall 1:00-2:00 PM: Free Time, Potluck Classes 2:00-3:30 PM: Class 3 3:45-5:00 PM: Mini Classes 5:00-6:00 PM: Free Time, Potluck Classes 6:00 PM: Dinner, Doug Carpenter Hall 7:00-9:00 PM: Concert, Hall Hall 9:00 PM: Various Jams, Hall Hall SATURDAY 8:00 AM: Breakfast, Doug Carpenter Hall 9:30-11:45 AM: Class 4 12:00 PM: Lunch, Doug Carpenter Hall 1:00-2:00 PM: Free Time, Potluck Classes 2:00-3:30 PM: Class 5 3:45-5:00 PM: Mini Classes 5:00-6:00 PM: Free Time, Potluck Classes 6:00 PM: Dinner, Doug Carpenter Hall 7:00-9:00 PM: Concert, Square Dance to follow, Hall Hall 9:00 PM: Various Jams, Hall Hall SUNDAY 8:00 AM: Breakfast, Doug Carpenter Hall 9:30-10:30 AM: Class 6 10:30-11:00 AM: Classroom Cleanup 11:00-12:00 PM: Student Showcase, Hall Hall 12:00 PM: Lunch, Doug Carpenter Hall 1:00 PM: Departure ops during each workshop. Attendees will occassionally have the opportunity to enjoy nightly concerts by instructors, as well as square dances. To register, please visit https://campmcdowell.org/ alabama-folk-school

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“I loved my class and the new friends I made, but the thing that affected me most deeply was the utter kindness and humility of everyone I met.

Ne v e r h a v e I b e e n a m o n g s t s o m a n y w h o h a d o n e a n o t h e r ’s b e s t i n t e r e s t s a t h e a r t . S t a f f, t e a c h e r s , students-all so wonderful! ” -Cindy Armstrong

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CAMPUS MAP

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PHIFER HALL

C L A S S RO O M S PAC E S Photos by Jenna Mobley, Blakeney Cox, Scottie Swan, & Jordan Hughes

LOCATIONS

HALL HALL

Camp McDowell provides many beautiful spaces for our AFS classes to take place. The music classes are held in Phifer Hall, Hall Hall, and on the porches and inside the common rooms of Bethany Village lodges. Craft classes are held in the Art Studio, Pottery Studio, Pop’s Blacksmith Shop, the Teaching Kitchen, Doug Carpenter Hall, and sometimes out in the beautiful surrounding forest. N AT I V I T Y A R T S T U D I O

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CAMP TRAILS

POTTERY STUDIO


DOUG CARPENTER HALL

R O G E R’ S T E AC H I N G K I T C H E N

BETHANY LODGES

POP ’S BLACKSMITH SHOP

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POLICIES & INFORMATION

RE G I S T R AT I O N Register on our website by clicking the “Registration Open Now” button on our “Dates & Rates” page. You will receive an email confirmation of your registration that day. Three weeks prior to the workshop, you will receive detailed information about your upcoming stay including a schedule and packing list. If you require assistance or wish to register over the phone, email us at afsregistrar@campmcdowell.org or by phone 205-387-1806, ext. 111.

SCHOLARSHIPS

CA N C E L L AT I O N P O L I C Y To reserve a spot in a class, registrants must pay tuition and lodging in full. Cancellations received prior to 60 days before the event will receive a full refund on lodging, meals, and tuition. Cancellations received less than 60 days prior to the start of the event will receive refunded lodging, meals, and tuition but a $100 cancellation fee will be retained. Cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the start of the event will receive refunded lodging and meals, but no tuition will be refunded and a $100 cancellation fee will be retained. No tuition, lodging, or meals will be re-

funded after the event begins. Cancellation fees apply regardless of the reason for canceling. The Alabama Folk School at Camp McDowell is committed to supporting artists and musicians by offering them paid opportunities to share their craft with you. Our cancellation policy ensures that our instructors will be compensated for their time and talent. We understand the potential for unforeseen life circumstances, but our cancellation policy exists not to benefit the Alabama Folk School, but to ensure that our instructors will be able to afford their time with us.

Thanks to the generous donations of others, we have needbased scholarship opportunites available. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please email us at afsregistrar@campmcdowell.org.

CAMP STORE

N E W A F S M E RC H AVA I L A B L E ! Vi s i t t h e C a m p S t o re t o p u rc h a s e o u r n e w s h i r t s a n d t o t e s d e s i g n e d b y Ye l l o w h a m m e r C re a t i v e

KEEP IN TOUCH: A F S R E G I S T R A R @ C A M P M C D OW E L L . O RG 12 | 2024 Alabama Folk School

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@ALABAMAFOLKSCHOOL


“ G r e a t e x p e r i e n c e . Fo r m e i t w a s g o o d t o g e t a w a y a n d e s c a p e t h e ‘d a y t o d a y .’ T h e s e t t i n g is special and of course being with people that share common interests is great. I enjoy being part of something that I believe is important

a n d m a k e s t h e w o r l d a b e t t e r p l a c e .” -Ernie Arrant

2024 AlabamaFolk FolkSchool School | 11 13 2024 Alabama


FROM SCRATCH February 23-25, 2024 14 | 2024 Alabama Folk School

Photos by Jenna Mobley, Jen Manning, & Blakeney Cox


F R O M S C R AT C H

2024 EVENTS

C L A S S O F F E RI N G S

From Scratch is a weekend

MUSIC

workshop designed for true beginners. If you’re interested in learning a new instrument or craft, this is the weekend for you! This year’s offerings include classes with expert musicians, artists, and the return of beginner ceramics. These classes are designed to give you take-home skills to practice and prepare for our advanced classes. There’s also plenty of exploring to do during your free time. Take a hike, go canoeing, or pick a porch and rocking chair to relax.

Tu i t i o n : $ 2 1 0

Guitar - Ben Ayers Banjo - Bailey Hill Fiddle - Amy Alvey Mandolin - Jason Bailey Tu i t i o n : $ 2 4 5

B u i l d Yo u r O w n Mountain Dulcimer Laurie Alsobrook CR AFT

Lodging for this event will be in Bethany Village. Participants will have the option to stay in a Bethany Lodge room or a dormstyle cabin. All lodging options include refreshments on opening night and six meals throughout the weekend starting with Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. To register, please visit https://campmcdowell.org/ alabama-folk-school

Tu i t i o n : $ 2 2 5

Fo r a g i n g & H e r b a l Medicine Cameron Strouss C e ra m i c s - Je n M a n n i n g Hand Stitch Quilting Aaron Sanders Head Fe r m e n t a t i o n Lindsay Whiteaker Tu i t i o n : $ 2 4 5

B a s k e t We a v i n g Sarah Bell

L ODGING & M EALS Lodge Room & Meals for One, 2 Nights: $285 Lodge Room & Meals for Tw o , 2 N i g h t s : $ 3 5 5 Cabin Bed & Meals for One, 2 Nights: $155 C o m m u t e r Fe e & M e a l s for One: $65

2024 Alabama Folk School | 15


BLUEGRASS & GEE’S BEND May 2-5, 2024

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Photos by Jenna Mobley, Blakeney Cox, & Jordan Hughes


2024 EVENTS

BLUEGRASS & GEE’S BEND

C L A S S O F F E RI N G S MUSIC Tu i t i o n : $ 2 5 5

Banjo I - Jack Hatf ield Banjo II - Alan Munde Fiddle I - Gretchen May Fiddle II - Justin Branum Mandolin I - Jason Bailey Mandolin II Casey Campbell G u i t a r I - A l l e n To l b e r t Guitar II - Tim May

L ODGING & M EALS

Bluegrass & Gee’s Bend, one of our most popular workshops, is back with great bluegrass music classes and Gee’s Bend quilting. This four-day workshop provides a truly immersive experience with a fun and enthusiastic community of musicians and artists. This year, we are excited to have Aaron Sanders Head back for a Natural Dyeing class, as well as Laura Spencer to teach Goat Soap Making. Lodging for this event will be in Bethany Village. Participants will have the option to stay in a Bethany Lodge room or a dorm style cabin. All lodging options include refreshments on opening night and nine meals throughout the weekend starting with Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. To register, please visit https://campmcdowell.org/ alabama-folk-school

Lodge Room & Meals for One, 3 Nights: $420 Lodge Room & Meals for Tw o , 3 N i g h t s : $ 5 5 0 Cabin Bunk Bed & Meals for One, 3 Nights: $170 C o m m u t e r Fe e & M e a l s for One: $80

CR AFT Tu i t i o n : $ 2 7 5

G e e ’s B e n d Q u i l t i n g Mar y Ann Pettway & China Pettway Natural Dyeing Aaron Sanders Head Goat Soap Making Laura Spencer Beginner Blacksmithing Quinn McKay *additional small supplies fee for blacksmithing paid upon arrival 2024 Alabama Folk School | 17


YOUTH FOLK CAMP July 28-31, 2024 18 | 2024 Alabama Folk School

Photos by Blakeney Cox, Janie Murdock, Emerson Cook, & Caitlin Lollar


YO U T H F O L K C A M P

2024 EVENTS

educators from around the Southeast. Music majors will have fun listening to and learning old tunes and styles from before recorded music. This class will give students the tools to go home and continue their musical adventures after the workshop is o v e r.

Join us for Youth Folk Camp, our only Alabama Folk School workshop series designed for rising 5th-12th graders. Youth Folk Camp is a unique combination of summer overnight camp with Camp McDowell and folk school instruction in music, farming, craft skills, and more! Campers choose one major and minor class for the workshop, all taught by experienced farmers, musicians, and artists. Some experience with violin, guitar, or banjo is recommended for music majors. Campers who choose farming for their major should select a different subject for their minor. Campers will stay in Bethany Village summer cabins and enjoy three delicious meals a day. To register, please visit https://campmcdowell.org/ alabama-folk-school

C R A F T & FA R M I N G Sewing & Mixed Media Art Campers will be working with various mediums including c o l l a g e , c l a y, s e w i n g t e x t i l e s, p r i n t m a k i n g, p a i n t i n g, a n d more. Our approach to creativity is low pressure and lots of f u n ! We h o p e t h a t y o u’ l l l e a v e with some lovely works of art, some new tools in your creative toolbox, and the confidence and inspiration to keep creating art on your own.

Fa r m i n g Campers who major in farming are able to make connections about the foods we eat and how i t c o m e s t o o u r p l a t e s. S u s t a i n able agriculture, team-work, and hands-on caring for our gardens and farm animals are some of the experiences students take with them.

C OST Lodging, Meals, & Tu i t i o n , 3 N i g h t s : $400

M AJOR & M INOR O F F E RI N G S MUSIC B a n j o , M a n d o l i n , G u i t a r, or Fiddle Music majors will work with their separate instructors as well as spending time making m u s i c t o g e t h e r. O u r i n s t r u c t o r s are professional musicians and

2024 Alabama Folk School | 19


SEPTEMBER SAMPLER September 14, 2024 20 | 2024 Alabama Folk School

Photos by Jenna Mobley, Jordan Hughes, & Jess Lingle


SEPTEMBER SAMPLER

2024 EVENTS

C L A S S O F F E RI N G S Blacksmithing 101 Quinn McKay Chinese Knots Sarah Bell Goat Soap Making Laura Spencer Native Flute C h a r l i e M a t o -To y e l a Wo o d f i re d Pi z z a Erin Merhar & Sarah Wa r d

September Sampler offers a sample of all the Alabama Folk School has to offer. During this one-day event, crafters, musicians, and true beginners alike can find something to love. Sign up for one of several one-day class options. Lunch with live music is included with each class tuition. Tuition also includes the majority of supplies needed.

“All of the event planning and programming felt very thoughtful. Everyone was extremely kind. I had a wonderful time.” -Sarah Bell

S A M PL E R SCHEDULE 8:00-9:00 AM: Student Check-In 9:00-11:45 AM: Class Session One 12:00 PM: Lunch 1:00-3:30 PM: Class Session Two 3:45 PM: Head Home

C OST Class & Lunch: $100-$150 2024 Alabama Folk School | 21


OLD TIME & GEE’S BEND October 10-13, 2024

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Photos by Jenna Mobley & Jordan Hughes


OLD TIME & GEE’S BEND

2024 EVENTS

C L A S S O F F E RI N G S

At Old Time & Gee’s Bend, quilters, basket weavers, and blacksmiths pursue their work in an encouraging atmosphere while music students fully immerse themselves in old-time classes, their days and nights filled with instruction from master musicians and jam sessions. Afternoon mini classes give all participants a chance to take part in learning something totally new. Guests are also welcome to spend their free time exploring the miles of hiking trails, canoeing, or relaxing in our custom-made front porch rockers. At night, all attendees are invited to a concert led by our talented instructors, with an occasional square dance, too! Lodging for this event will be in Bethany Village. Participants will have the option to stay in a Bethany Lodge room or a dorm style cabin. All lodging options include refreshments on opening night and nine meals throughout the weekend starting with Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. To register, please visit https://campmcdowell.org/ alabama-folk-school

MUSIC Tu i t i o n : $ 2 5 5

Banjo I C h a rl i e H u n t e r- C o o k Banjo II - Joe Newberr y Fiddle I - Carter Laney Fiddle II J i m m y Tr i p l e t t Mandolin Mike Compton Repertoire Er ynn Marshall & Carl Jones Guitar & Harmony Singing - K ay Justice with Kathy Hinkle assisting CR AFT Tu i t i o n : $ 2 7 5

G e e ’s B e n d Q u i l t i n g Mar y Ann Pettway & China Pettway Creative Writing Caleb Johnson B a s k e t We a v i n g Sarah Bell Beginner Blacksmithing Quinn McKay *additional small supplies fee for blacksmithing paid upon arrival

L ODGING & M EALS Lodge Room & Meals for One, 3 Nights: $420 Lodge Room & Meals for Tw o , 3 N i g h t s : $ 5 5 0 Cabin Bunk Bed & Meals for One, 3 Nights: $170 C o m m u t e r Fe e & M e a l s for One: $80 2024 Alabama Folk School | 23 2024 Alabama Folk School | 19


CREATIVE RETREAT November 21-24, 2024

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Photos by Jordan Hughes & Blakeney Cox


C R E AT I V E R E T R E AT

2024 EVENTS

Our Creative Retreat offers a restful weekend with the beautiful backdrop of Camp McDowell in the fall. Bring your personal projects and join us for a long weekend of focused time to rest and create. We’ll provide all your meals, access to wifi, nature trails, quiet space to work and rest, and evening refreshments. Lodging for this event will be in Bethany Village. Participants will have the option to stay in a Bethany Lodge room or a dorm style cabin. All lodging options include refreshments on opening night and nine meals throughout the weekend starting with Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. To register, please visit https://campmcdowell.org/ alabama-folk-school

“AFS is a real gem. It’s about the people. The people are wonderful and the vibe was very relaxed and conducive to creative flow.” -Wade Austin

L ODGING & M EALS Lodge Room & Meals for One, 3 Nights: $425 Lodge Room & Meals for Tw o , 3 N i g h t s : $ 5 8 0 Cabin Bed & Meals for One, 3 Nights: $175

2024 Alabama Folk School | 25


COVER STORY

GEE’S BEND Q U I LT E R S The Gee’s Bend Workshops at the Alabama Folk School provide a rare opportunity for quilters of all levels to sew alongside two of Alabama’s famed Gee’s Bend Quilters. China Pettway and Mary Ann Pettway are direct descendants of the enslaved people who worked the Pettway Plantation and stayed on the land as farmers and sharecroppers after emancipation. Their style of quilting was born of necessity and flourished through generations of women.

China Pettway

“Gee’s Bend quilts carry forward an old and proud tradition of textiles made for home and family. Gee’s Bend quilts transform recycled work clothes and dresses, feed sacks and fabric remnants to sophisticated design vessels of cultural survival and continuing portraits of the women’s identities.” -Excerpt from The Quilts of Gee’s Bend During the workshop, Mary Ann and China are available to assist with hand and machine-stitching, and share tips for creating in the style of the Gee’s Bend tradition. While everyone works, they sing gospel style spirituals and tell stories from their lives in the community of Boykin, Alabama. In addition to being a famed quilter, China Pettway is one of Gee’s Bend’s leading gospel singers. Singing is her beloved hobby. She is one of the few Boykin

26 | 2024 Alabama Folk School

would let us stop and get to bed. That was every evening except Saturday and Sunday. I made my first quilt, it was a ‘Star.’ And I still have it,” she says. She and Mary Ann began teaching at the Alabama Folk School seventeen years ago. Mary Ann Pettway is the manager of the Gee’s Bend Quilters Collective. She made her first quilt for the collective in the summer of 2005. The seventh of 12 children, Mary Ann Pettway was born and raised in Gee’s Bend. After graduating high school in 1975, Mary Ann took college bookkeeping and accounting classes before working in a sewing factory for 20 years. Pettway is one of the lead singers of the Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church and began quilting again after hearing about the trips the quilters of the community went on. “Before I started back to quilting, I was with (friend) Sabrina’s grandmother Arlonzia a lot and heard about these trips they would go on through The Quilts of Gee’s Bend traveling exhibition. So I told her, “I’m tired of hearing how good of a time y’all are having. I want to start having a good time too.” So she told me, “Well then, start quilting!” And Mary Ann is, thankfully, still quilting today. Mary Ann Pettway

locals who attended college and returned to live in the community. Now a home healthcare provider, Pettway enjoys working with the elderly. “I love my patients and I think they are the most sweet and beautiful people you can meet.” China was taught to quilt by her mother, Leola, at the young age of eleven. “We had to quilt until ten at night. Then, she


“ G e e ’s B e n d q u i l t s c a r r y for ward an old and proud tradition of textiles made for h o m e a n d f a m i l y . G e e ’s B e n d quilts transform recycled work clothes and dresses, feed sacks and fabric remnants to sophisticated design vessels of cultural sur vival and continuing portraits of the w o m e n’s i d e n t i t i e s .” - E x c e r p t f r o m T h e Q u i l t s o f G e e ’s Bend

Photos by Jenna Mobley & Blakeney Cox

2024 Alabama Folk School | 27


105 DELONG ROAD N A U V O O, A L A B A M A 35578

R E G I S T E R T O D AY AT W W W. C A M P M C D O W E L L . O R G / A L A BA M A - F O L K- S C H O O L


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