The Works of Several Accomplished Quilt & Textile Artists On Display for Black History and Women's History Months

At AAHMSNJ Newtonville (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Center)

661 Jackson Rd, Newtonville, NJ

Admission is free. Donations are encouraged.

The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey (AAHMSNJ) presents a new exhibit featuring a large display of quilts and textiles from five accomplished artists. “The 8th Annual Quilt Show: The Fabric of Our Life and Times” will be on view from January 11 to March 28, 2026 at the Newtonville museum located at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Center, 661 Jackson Rd, Newtonville, NJ.

The combined exhibition of quilts and textile art, including several Bogolan Mud Cloth Tapestries, will be on display throughout both Black History Month and Women’s History Month. The collection of quilts depicts several African-American topics and other themes. Quilts from the AAHMSNJ's private collection comprised of a variety works by artists who have participated in quilt exhibits over the years will also be on display.

This exhibit includes artists:

• Carla Cornick
• Gloria Gammage Davis
• Joyce Hagan
• Winifred Jenkins
• Dressler Smith
• Doreen Mollette Sullivan

Jenkins' quilts feature the oil paintings of Dressler Smith. Each of these artists could easily support a show featuring only their work. What a delight to see this interesting juxtaposition of several textile artists in an exhibit that combines the work of all five; bringing together their different styles in a show that is sure to excite and surprise.  

The Bogolan Mud Cloth Tapestries weave a direct connection to African textile artists who have woven cultural context across the centuries. The dying method using fermented river clay to make mud cloth tapestries originated in the country of Mali in Africa and has been an enduring tradition since the 12th century.

The Bogolan Mud Cloth Tapestries were purchased in Mali by Marion Feldman during her 25-year career in the Foreign Service. They were inherited by her daughter Meredith Berkowitz, who has generously loaned them to the African American Heritage Museum for this exhibit. One of the tapestries was included in the book, “African Style: Down to Details” by Sharne Algotsson with photographs by George Ross. These stunning and unique forms of art were painstakingly created by a spectacular group of African artists, and photos taken during the process will accompany the exhibit. 

Newtonville Museum Hours  
Monday-Friday 10 AM to 3 PM 
Saturday/Sunday by Appointment