Memphis, Tennessee.- Many people are familiar with the exhibition, The Quilts of Gee's Bend. The New York Times called it, "one of the ten most important shows in the world." The quilts have been referred to as artistic masterpieces and described as some of the most miraculous works of modern art in America. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is pleased to present The Quilts of Gee's Bend February 13 - May 8, 2005. The exhibition features 70 remarkably innovative quilts by more than 40 African-American quilters working in the remote community of Gee's Bend, Alabama from about 1930 to the present.

These extraordinary designs were created out of necessity by the women living in this rural area on a horseshoe-shaped bend near the Alabama River. Cut off on three sides from the outside world by the river, these women crafted their quilts from the fabric of everyday life - worn, denim work clothes, grain sacks, corduroy, and cotton sheets. They passed their bold designs down through four generations of mothers and daughters. They were created for practicality, to provide warmth for themselves and their families during cold, damp nights. Yet, the visual power of these quilts has elevated them to artistic masterpieces.

The Brooks is in good company with the presentation of this exhibition. It opened at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and traveled to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, as well as the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Following its stay in Memphis, it will travel to the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Brooks' Chief Curator, Marina Pacini spotted the exhibition in Houston a few years ago and was determined to bring it to Memphis. Pacini states, "The quilts of Gee's Bend are among the finest examples of American art. The colors, shapes, and fabrics are combined brilliantly to celebrate a family tradition handed down from mother to daughter, while encompassing the vision of the individual quiltmakers. The Brooks is honored to have the opportunity to make this groundbreaking exhibition available to our community."

In conjunction with The Quilts of Gee's Bend, the Brooks will host some of the living quilters who will share their inspiring stories with visitors. There will be a two-day series of events with the quilters for school children, youth, and families. A lineup of lectures, films, and musical concerts celebrating the exhibition is also being planned. The national tour of The Quilts of Gee's Bend was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and sponsored by the Tinwood Alliance, Atlanta. Memphis presenting sponsor is CB Richard Ellis. Additional support is being provided by First Tennessee Bravo, Goldsmith/Macy's, Target Stores, International Paper, Baptist Health Care Corporation, and Shelby County Links.