A Road Scholar Program by Rachel Ensor

Join Rachel Ensor as she explores the signs, symbols, techniques, and traditions used in West African textiles, as well as how these traditions were reformed in African American quilts. This presentation examines many types of African textiles and the ethnic groups that brought them to the colonies, followed by a history of how specific ethnic groups were forced to move around the continent through sales and exchange. This movement forced many African traditions to blend, forming an African American aesthetic. Dr. Ensor will introduce contemporary African American quilting work and discuss how it connects to African American traditions.

This event is Free and Open to the public. For more information, please contact Rachel Peterson, 217.223.1309.