Griots of the Cloth: Storytelling Through Fiber Arts
 

     As an educator and fiber artist, I facilitated a series of quilting workshops titled “Griots of the Cloth: Storytelling Through Fiber Arts” as part of the Greensboro Residency for Original Works (GROW). The series took place from August 20 through September 30 2024 and focused on artistic expression. During the workshops, I guided participants in creating small quilting projects using Ankara fabric while exploring the principle of Sankofa, a Ghanaian concept meaning “to go back and get.” Through quilting, participants reflected on their personal histories, experiences, and connections to their cultural heritage. I had the pleasure of meeting a lot of different people and was even interviewed by the local news. My own artwork was featured in the month long exhibit. The exhibition provided an opportunity for the community to engage with the history, creativity, and cultural significance of African American quilting traditions.

     As part of the series, the public was also invited to a screening of Wax Print. The film provided an opportunity to learn more about the history of Ankara fabric and its connection to African Diaspora.Through “Griots of the Cloth,” I created space for participants to explore their histories, express their experiences, and preserve memories through the transformative practice of fiber art. The project demonstrated how quilting could serve not only as an artistic practice but also as a powerful form of storytelling, healing, cultural preservation, and community building.