African American quilts from Cargo Collection at Love's Center

Love's Jazz and Art Gallery, 24th and Lake streets in Omaha, will host the quilt exhibition "African American Quilts from the Robert and Helen Cargo Collection" through Aug. 26. For hours and further information, telephone Love's Jazz and Arts Center, (402) 502-5291.

This exceptional body of quilts became part of the collection of the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2000. Quilts from the Cargo collection have been exhibited at the Museum of American Folk Art in New York, the Smithsonian Institution and the Textile Museum in Washington, D.C.

The Cargo quilts are considered one of the most important collections of African American quilts in the world. The supporting documentation associated with each quilt maker is one of the unique strengths that sets this collection apart from others. Most of the quilts were made since the 1970s by women with whom Dr. Cargo was acquainted, though some of the anonymous quilts in the collection date as far back as the early 20th century. The collection includes 26 quilts made by Yvonne Wells, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. Wells' quilts reflect her spirituality and social awareness, as exemplified in her quilt "Yesterday: Civil Rights in the South." Wells was the winner of the prestigious 1998 Alabama Arts and Visual Craftsmen Award.

African-American quilts are an important segment of American quilt history. They reflect the diverse traditions that merge to form the American quilting heritage. They come in every imaginable style: traditional and original patterns, bold and subdued colors, and patchwork and story quilts. Like all quilts, African-American quilts vary from region to region, from era to era, and from person to person. "Southern quilts are unique because they don't conform to rules; they create a real new rhythm," said Carolyn Ducey, curator at the International Quilt Study Center.

More information about the Cargo Collection and the entire International Quilt Study Center collection is available online (www.quiltstudy.unl.edu).

CONTACT: Maureen Ose, International Quilt Study Center, (402) 472-7232