Second Graders Stitch History and Creativity with Gee’s Bend-Inspired Quilts

Peck’s second graders explored the artistic legacy of Gee’s Bend, a small African American community in Alabama known for its bold, improvisational quilts. For generations, the women of Gee’s Bend have transformed fabric scraps into striking abstract designs—both functional and deeply expressive works of art.

Inspired by this remarkable tradition, second graders learned about the history of Gee’s Bend and its cultural significance. They then created their own small felt quilts, embracing the improvisational techniques that define this art form. Without predetermined patterns, students experimented with composition, layering, and color, developing an appreciation for the resourcefulness and artistic spirit of the original Gee’s Bend quilters.

This hands-on project was more than just an art lesson—it was a window into a history of perseverance, self-expression, and storytelling through fabric.