Arlonzia Pettway facts for kids

Arlonzia Pettway (1923–2008) was a talented American artist. She was famous for her amazing quilts, which are like cozy blankets made from many pieces of fabric sewn together. She was part of a special group of quilters from a place called Gee's Bend. Arlonzia started making quilts when she was just 13 years old.

One of her beautiful quilts, called "Chinese Coins" variation, was even put on a US Postal Service stamp in 2006! This was part of a series honoring the Gee's Bend quilters. Her artwork can be seen in important museums like the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the High Museum of Art.

Her Life

Arlonzia Pettway grew up on a farm called the Pettway Plantation. She lived there with her father and mother. When her father passed away in 1941, Arlonzia was 18 years old.

She and her brother, Ike, took over the farm work. They mostly grew crops like cotton, corn, peas, and sweet potatoes. Later, they also grew cucumbers and turnips for a company in Montgomery.

In 1940, the government replaced her old log-cabin home with a new "project house." This house had three bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining room, and two bathrooms. However, it did not have running water at first. Her family got electricity in 1964 and indoor plumbing in 1974. They bought their first telephone in 1976.

When she was 20, Arlonzia married Bizzell, who was the son of another quilter, Jennie Pettway. They continued to farm and raised twelve children together. Arlonzia and Bizzell had four girls and eight boys. She lived in her family home her whole life. Her husband passed away in 1964, and Arlonzia died in 2008.

Her Work

Arlonzia Pettway was a very creative and resourceful person. She often made things herself instead of buying them. She felt that her ability to create was a natural talent. She once said, "I just had a head for doing anything. It was just born in me to make things."

She remembered making many different items. These included beds, bookshelves, TV cabinets, and planters. She even made planters from old river buoys. When she was nine years old, she made dresses for herself and her sister. They were made from blue taffeta fabric, and her mother was very proud of them. It is likely that her mother taught her how to sew and quilt even before she was nine years old.