This article is about the artist Joan Gaither’s impact on black culture and offers some possible lessons for your life based on what she’s accomplished.
With Woman’s History month underway, we’re excited to share the positive influence of Maryland artist and quilter Dr. Joan M. E. Gaither.
Gaither’s works in quilting shine a bright light on the history of Blacks in America over the past 200 years. Her quilts are legacy pieces that will preserve these stories for future generations, as many are exhibited in museums and other public places.
Here’s the story of Gaither’s vibrant contribution to Maryland and American history.
Table of Contents:
- Exploring Joan Gaither And Her Story
- Gaither’s Impact: African American Culture And Inspiring Young Artists
- Giving Back And Weaving Together The Community
- Applicable Takeaways From Joan Gaither’s Career And Work
- Final Wrap-Up
Exploring Joan Gaither And Her Story
Joan Gaither is a quilter, educator, and advocate who tells stories from African American history with quilts.
She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1942 and learned how to sew from her mother, a skilled seamstress.
In grade school, Gaither was inspired by a teacher, George Barrick, to use art as a means of unique expression. (Little did he know, with his encouragement of Joan’s work, how much he would influence the art world). Years later, she got her bachelor’s degree in art education from Morgan State University, a historically black college in Maryland, then earned a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1998. Her path eventually led her to MICA, the well-regarded Maryland Institute College Of Art in Baltimore.
At MICA, Joan felt an immediate belonging, valuing the way the institute educated children through the medium of art. This reflected how she liked going about expressing truth.
Gaither's Impact: African American Culture And Inspiring Young Artists
Vibrant and colorful quilts are the medium through which Gaither’s art explores African American history and culture.
Her works are made from traditional quilting fabrics, recycled clothing, and objects she’s picked up here and there. When asked why she quilts in this manner, Joan says:
“As an artist, I’ve discovered that my voice is informed by an interest in mixed media, fibers, and photographic images that allow close scrutiny of surfaces and metaphors for personal meaning.”
Each of her quilts tells a story about people and events that have shaped African American history, from documenting the freeing of slaves after Maryland’s Emancipation to exploring the philosophies of decorated political activists like Malcolm X.
Gaither’s quilt, “The Sesquicentennial 1864 Maryland Slave Emancipation,” was made to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Marylanders’ vote for the abolishment of slavery. The work details the events before, during, and after slavery was abolished in 1864.
This quilt and many of her others have been displayed in countless museums including the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and the Baltimore Museum of Art. She continually inspires current and future artists to explore the art of quilting.
We get a snapshot of Gaither’s unique thought process In a video she recorded for creating your very own documentary story quilt.
In this video, Gaither expresses the importance of “quilting from the soul.”
She asserts that documentary quilts are more than just a mixture of materials and fabrics. She believes that with enough clear imagery and story-telling, almost anyone can emotionally impact others through quilting.
She says, “When I’m quilting from the soul, I think the fabric can hold not just the memory of the cloth, but it can hold the whole story.”
Giving Back And Weaving Together The Community
Gaither doesn’t just bring fabrics together, but people as well.
Each year she proudly hosts a birthday gathering for herself, which consists of family, friends, music, food, and of course, art.
She also gives back to the community.
In 2012, she founded The Dr. Joan M.E. Gaither Young People’s Studio Scholarship Fund (YPS).
This program is for young people interested in visual or performing art, and writing. The program helps students in underserved communities who want to pursue careers in art but lack the support to do so.
Joan Gaither has left a legacy of creative activism and community bonds. Her quilts continue to expand cultural awareness of black history and the struggle for equal rights. She also inspires men and women to express themselves creatively, day in and day out.
Applicable Takeaways From Joan Gaither's Career And Work
Here are 3 takeaways from the artist Joan Gaither that you can apply to your personal or business life.
1. Be Innovative
Thinking outside the box is the start of innovation. How a thing has traditionally been done sometimes obscures the fact that there are other ways of doing it.
We see innovation in Giather’s quilts. From using art to illuminate historical events to employing unique materials in her art, Gaither has been an innovator.
2. Create Something That Lasts
Having a product or service with longevity is how you truly make an impact.
Gaither’s quilts are displayed in museums because each is a unique expression, a one-of-a-kind creation that cannot be replicated. Because of the complex themes and the depth of expression in each quilt, they are a perfect example of creating something that will stand the test of time, educating and engaging audiences for many years to come.
3. Give Back
Giving back to your community in any way you can positively impacts those around you. In some instances, those you’ve helped will want to help you. Or they may be inspired to pay it forward and help others. Giving back can also extend your legacy far into the future, with Gaither’s Young People’s Studio scholarship being a perfect example.
Final Wrap-Up
Joan Gaither’s works continue to be exhibited and to inspire more and more people, in her native Maryland and around the world.
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