NEA National Heritage Fellows - Quilters

The National Endowment for the Arts - National Heritage Fellowship is one of the highest honors the U.S. Government bestows on a traditional artist. Over 300 artists have been honored since the first year in 1982. Carver and painter Elijah Pierce of Columbus, OH received an award in 1982. Honored African American quilters and those who have so lovingly preserve our quilt heritage are listed below. Click on each name to read NEA bio.

• Roland Freeman, author of A Communion of the Spirits - 2007
• Mozell Benson, quilter from Opelika, AL - 2001
• Hystercine Rankin, quilter from Lorman, MS - 1997
• Nora Ezell, quilter from Eutaw, AL - 1992
• Gussie Wells, quilter from Oakland, CA - 1991
• Arbie Williams, quilter from Oakland, CA - 1991
• Lucinda Toomer, quilter from Columbus, GA - 1983