Sally Mae Pettway Mixon facts for kids

Sally Mae Pettway Mixon (born 1965) is an American artist. She is famous for her beautiful quilts. Sally Mae is part of the Gee's Bend quilting group. Her mother, Candis Pettway, and her sisters, Qunnie Pettway and Edwina Pettway, are also quilters in this group.

Who is Sally Mae Pettway Mixon?

Sally Mae Pettway Mixon was born in 1965. She grew up in a place called Gee's Bend, Alabama. This community is known worldwide for its unique quilts. Quilting is a special art form where fabric pieces are sewn together. They create colorful and warm blankets.

What is the Gee's Bend Quilting Collective?

The Gee's Bend quilting collective is a group of women artists. They live in a small, historic community. These women have passed down quilting skills for generations. Their quilts are not just blankets. They are also amazing works of art. Each quilt tells a story. They often use old clothes and scraps of fabric. This makes each quilt special and unique.

The History of Gee's Bend Quilts

The tradition of quilting in Gee's Bend started a long time ago. It began with enslaved African American women. They used quilting to make warm bedding for their families. Over time, it became a way to express their creativity. The quilts became known for their bold designs. They often use bright colors and unusual patterns. These patterns are different from traditional quilt designs.

Sally Mae Mixon's Art in Museums

Sally Mae Pettway Mixon's quilts are very important. They are shown in major art museums. This means her art is recognized as valuable. It is seen by many people.

Where Can You See Her Quilts?

One of her famous quilts is called Blocks and Strips (2003). This quilt is part of the permanent collection at the National Gallery of Art. A permanent collection means the museum owns the artwork. They keep it forever. It can be shown to the public at any time.

Exhibitions Featuring Her Work

Her quilt, Blocks and Strips, was part of a special show. It was in an exhibition called Called to Create: Black Artists of the American South. This show was at the National Gallery of Art. It ran from September 2022 to March 2023. An exhibition is a temporary display of artworks.

Sally Mae's art was also shown at The Blanton Museum of Art. This exhibit was called Assembly: New Acquisitions by Contemporary Black Artists. It was on display from December 2021 to September 2022. These exhibitions help people learn about important artists. They also show the beauty of Gee's Bend quilts.