Cattywampus, by Leah Gossett explores the intersectional relationship between labor, craft, and art. Gossett’s work uses found fabrics, domestic wares, and farm tools to contextualize her struggle with both resenting and respecting traditional female labor roles.

Gossett grew up farming and doing domestic labor which has led to her interest in the stereotypical gender roles that determine labor tasks. She creates decorative pieces with housewares that often coincide with the stereotype of southern women being seen as “domestic goddesses” that must stay within the realm of the home.

SQTM will also be showing Historic Family Quilts and textiles from our permanent collection. Many of these quilts were donated with partial family stories, leaving us wondering about the lives of these makers and what stories were lost to time. Sometimes genealogy research can help fill the gaps of time and place, but it is a rare treat when we get items donated with notes passed down for generations or handwritten letters or diaries from the makers themself. Some of the quilts featured in this exhibit were made as wedding presents, others were made for utilitarian everyday use. A few of these quilters include stitched signatures and dates. These quilts will be presented with their family stories, along with additional information SQTM was able to glean from historical research and the textile itself. 

Our final Gallery will feature quilts made by Young Quilters, showing off the skills of quilters under the age of 18. This space will include quilted creations from former SQTM Quilt Campers.