Bronzeville Center for the Arts Announces Inaugural Exhibition: “Quilting in Contemporary Art- Stitching Our Stories”

MILWAUKEE – The Bronzeville Center for the Arts (BCA) is delighted to announce its inaugural exhibition, “Quilting in Contemporary Art: Stitching Our Stories,” a momentous occasion for the organization. This landmark event will run from February 27 to April 27, 2025, at Gallery 507, located at 507 W North Ave in Milwaukee. The gallery will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Quilting in Contemporary Art: Stitching Our Stories” explores how today’s artists use quilting to connect with their heritage and tell their own stories. This groundbreaking exhibition showcases the remarkable work of three talented Wisconsin artists: Jamin Mahan, Karla Stewart-Martin and Rosy Petri, each exploring the art of quilting through unique and compelling lenses. Building on quilting’s rich history as a narrative art form, the exhibition highlights how these artists are creating a new era focused on history, culture, and identity within their communities.

• Jamin Mahan: A Milwaukee native, Mahan’s work reimagines traditional quilting techniques, creating intricate and imaginative bed quilts, wall hangings, bags, and clothes. His pieces often incorporate repurposed materials and reflect his connection to Milwaukee’s Harambee neighborhood. Mahan’s work has been exhibited at the University of Illinois Chicago, the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts, and various venues throughout Wisconsin.
• Karla Stewart-Martin: A self-taught method quilt artist from Menomonee Falls, Stewart-Martin’s quilts are inspired by graphic patterns, nature, and architectural structures. She translates complex designs into fabric, showcasing her mastery of color and form.
• Rosy Petri: A celebrated mixed media artist and storyteller represented by Calabar Gallery in Harlem, New York, and a Milwaukee native, Petri’s contributions to the exhibition offer a unique fusion of quilting and her broader artistic practice. Her work is part of prestigious collections, including the James Museum and the Bell Hooks Center at Berea College.

The public is invited to celebrate this historic occasion. A soft opening event will be held on February 27th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., providing an opportunity to meet the artists and preview the exhibition. A panel discussion with the artists will also take place on April 11th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., offering deeper insights into their creative processes and the role of quilting in contemporary art.

“We are thrilled to welcome the community to Gallery 507 for BCA’s inaugural exhibition, which will showcase the power of art by the African diaspora to transform lives and communities,” said Phoenix S. Brown, BCA Curator.

For more information about the exhibition and the Bronzeville Center for the Arts, please visit www.bcamke.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.