News & Announcements

The African American Quilters of Baltimore (AAQB) is displaying a collection of quilts centered on the rich history and culture of Baltimore. Stop by the office of Salem Lutheran Church on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to tour these quilts. The exhibit will be on display until July 23.

About the African American Quilters of Baltimore

The African American Quilters of Baltimore (AAQB) was founded in 1989 by the internationally known quilt artist, Barbara Pietila. Her primary goal was to offer support to African American quilters in an environment of acceptance and welcome, and to encourage the practice of quilting as an expression of a shared history and culture, while promoting quilting as an art form. The guild boasts quilters of skill levels ranging from beginner to master. AAQB members have been recognized with grants from the Maryland Council on the Arts, and with the Rubys Artist Grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation. AAQB’s history includes promoting its goals with talks, demonstrations and workshops at the Textile Museum in Washington, DC, the Walters Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Reginald Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art and the Maryland Institute College of Art. These activities serve to demonstrate the philosophy as stated in the AAQB motto, “Each One-Teach One.”

Over time the AAQB has broadened its membership to include individuals skilled in other fiber arts such as knitting, doll making, beading, weaving, wearable art and a host of related disciplines. The AAQB is the guild for the beginner as well as the master who is looking for a supportive community for creative growth. They boast a culturally and diverse membership, and welcome all who share their interests.