Artist Spotlight: Loretta Pettway Bennett: Carrying the Legacy—and Spirit—of Gee’s Bend Quilting
Loretta Pettway Bennett, Forever (for Old Lady Sally), (2006).
In the small, rural community of Gee’s Bend (Boykin), Alabama, a tradition of quiltmaking has thrived for generations—blending artistry, history, and resilience. Among the celebrated quilters of this community is Loretta Pettway Bennett, whose work stands as a vibrant continuation of a deeply rooted cultural legacy. Known for her bold, improvisational designs, Bennett’s quilts are more than textiles—they are visual stories, stitched with the spirit of her ancestors and the innovative vision of contemporary Black artistry.
A Heritage of Quiltmaking
Loretta Pettway Bennett was born into a family of master quilters, including her mother, Mary Lee Bendolph—one of Gee’s Bend’s most renowned artists. The women of Gee’s Bend have been creating quilts since the 19th century, originally out of necessity, repurposing worn clothing and feed sacks to keep their families warm. Over time, these functional objects evolved into striking works of art, characterized by geometric abstraction, asymmetrical patterns, and fearless color.
Loretta Pettway Bennett
Bennett learned quilting from her mother and other elders in the community, absorbing techniques passed down through generations. Yet while she honors tradition, her work also reflects her own creative voice—experimenting with composition and texture in ways that feel both timeless and fresh.
Artistic Style & Influence
Like many Gee’s Bend quilters, Bennett’s work is marked by improvisation—no two quilts are exactly alike, and each piece evolves organically. She uses bold geometry, creating dynamic visual rhythms through striking blocks, zigzags, and irregular forms. Her resourcefulness shines through in her materials: repurposed denim, corduroy, and cotton give new life to discarded fabrics.
Critics have noted the visual kinship between Gee’s Bend quilts and modernist abstraction, evoking artists like Piet Mondrian and Josef Albers. But Bennett’s artistry is grounded in lived experience, shaped by a legacy of craft, memory, and place.
Exhibitions & Recognition
Bennett’s quilts have been featured in major exhibitions alongside other Gee’s Bend artists, including:
The Quilts of Gee’s Bend (Whitney Museum of American Art, 2002)
Souls Grown Deep Like the Rivers (Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2023)
Her work is included in the permanent collection of the High Museum of Art (Atlanta) and is represented by the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, a major force in advancing the recognition of African-American artists from the South.
These exhibitions and collections have helped bring international attention to the Gee’s Bend quilting tradition, cementing its place in the canon of American art history.
Flow Plans, (2012).
Why Loretta Pettway Bennett Matters
At our museum, we admire artists like Loretta Pettway Bennett because their work remind us why folk traditions remain at the heart of contemporary creativity.
In a world increasingly shaped by mass production, Bennett’s quilts serve as a testament to the enduring power of handcraft and cultural preservation. She carries forward a tradition that is deeply personal yet universally resonant—a bridge between past and present, utility and art.
Her artistry speaks quietly but profoundly. Each quilt embodies Black Southern life—testaments to survival, creativity, and transformation.
Final Thoughts
As contemporary art continues to embrace diverse voices, Loretta Pettway Bennett’s contributions stand out as both a homage to her heritage and a bold statement of individuality. Through her quilts, she weaves together history, community, and innovation, ensuring that the legacy of Gee’s Bend endures for generations to come.
