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Quilt Exhibition Showcases Mississippi Culture at Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum

News Summary

This January, the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum in Starkville, Mississippi, will host a quilt exhibition by the Southern Fiber Artists group. The exhibition celebrates Mississippi’s rich culture and history through nearly 100 themed quilts. Attendees can explore artistic interpretations of the state, highlighting iconic figures and local symbols. Facilitated by Leanne Green, this showcase promises to resonate with visitors while emphasizing the artistry and community spirit of Mississippi’s fiber artists.

Exciting Quilt Exhibition at Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum!

If you’re in Starkville, Mississippi, you’re in for a treat this January! The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum is hosting a fantastic exhibition showcasing the creative talents of the Southern Fiber Artists group, and it’s all about celebrating everything that makes Mississippi special.

Discover the Heart of Mississippi Through Art

The theme of the quilt exhibition is simply “Mississippi”, and it promises to represent various facets of the state, highlighting its rich culture and history through stunning quilt art. This is no ordinary display; every piece tells a story, and visitors are sure to find something that resonates with their own experiences of the Magnolia State.

Meet the Creative Minds Behind the Exhibition

The Southern Fiber Artists group was founded between 2014 and 2015 in Columbus by artists looking to connect and share innovative quilting styles. Since then, it has blossomed into a community of 35 members who come together quarterly to collaborate and inspire one another, though they faced a few bumps along the way due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The idea for the exhibition started with a fun challenge. Eleven artists each selected letters from the word “Mississippi” and set out to create their unique artistic interpretations of those letters. This fascinating project quickly expanded to feature nearly 100 themed quilts, each depicting different towns, cultural icons, and symbols from around the state. From Starkville to Columbus and Oxford, these quilts reflect the diverse stories held within Mississippi’s borders.

A Stitch in Time

Several quilts draw attention to prominent figures in Mississippi’s history and culture. Iconic names like Elvis Presley and B.B. King appear prominently, along with beloved state symbols such as peaches and catfish. The pieces are varied and vibrant, ensuring that every visitor will find something that piques their interest.

Leanne Green, a dedicated fiber artist and member of the Southern Fiber Artists since 2016, is facilitating the exhibition. She emphasizes the magic behind quilts and how each one embodies a unique story or memory. Among the pieces on display, one remarkable quilt pays tribute to Mississippi writers, highlighting literary greats like William Faulkner and local author Laurie Parker.

You won’t want to miss Julia Graber’s quilt – crafted by her talented 12-year-old granddaughter, Tina. This beautiful piece features a stitched map of Mississippi adorned with symbolic designs that capture the essence of the state.

In addition to Graber and Green’s contributions, other artists have brought their visions to life in remarkable ways. Jackie Watkins designed several quilts, including one based on a poem by Patricia Neely-Dorsey and another honoring the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. Marilyn Rose looked to the historic Windsor Ruins for inspiration for her quilt that cleverly represents the letter “I.” Conversely, Nancy Losure’s quilt reflects her transition from Michigan to Mississippi, showcasing her first impressions of the area.

Dalia Quay, originally from Romania, brings a unique perspective to the exhibition with her quilt that journeyed with her internationally, illustrating the therapeutic nature of quilting as an art form that transcends borders and cultures.

An Invitation to All

The museum’s director has dubbed this exhibition one of the best seen at the venue, and encourages everyone to come and explore the quilts while they’re on display. Visitors can check out the exhibition on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout January, with special arrangements available upon request.

And the excitement doesn’t end here! This captivating exhibition will travel to various venues across the state through 2026, giving even more people a chance to appreciate the incredible talent of the Southern Fiber Artists.

For anyone looking to stay updated or learn more about these creative fiber artists, following them on Facebook is a great way to do so. So gather your friends and family, and head over to the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum to experience the beauty and creativity of Mississippi through these stunning quilts. You won’t regret it!