Presidents House Quilts Exhibit

 

My dear amiga Michelle Flamer has done a wonderful job of curating an amazing exhibit. The Constitution Center, with the Independence Visitor Center and the African American Museum of Philadelphia, will mount the joint exhibition, "The President's: Their Untold Stories in Quilts" - more than 40 quilts inspired by stories of the nine enslaved Africans held by Washington at the President's House in Philadelphia.

The President’s House: Their Untold Stories in Quilts

Curator: Michelle D. Flamer, Esquire

           

The truth is stark and the irony undeniable: the first President of the United States, who established a new democracy built upon principles of freedom and equality, was himself a slaveholder.  George and Martha Washington kept nine people enslaved as their domestic servants in Philadelphia’s First Executive Mansion. 

Like the West African “griot” or storyteller, this collection of art quilts relates the history of the President’s House and its nine enslaved inhabitants. The artists represented in this exhibit are a geographically diverse, multiracial and multicultural group of both internationally acclaimed and novice art quilters. With only fabric and thread, we celebrate the humanity, dignity and courage of slaves in the President’s House. These art quilts are intended to provoke a uniquely American dialogue about slavery and freedom in the paradigm of democracy.   
 

http://articles.philly.com/2011-02-23/news/28620686_1_quilts-exhibit-planners-artifacts

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110222_Constitution_Center_to_highlight_Washington__quilts.html

http://www.ushistory.org/presidentshouse/news/whyy022311.htm

  

 

"Divine Nine"

(c) Sabrina Zarco, 2011

On exhibit in the African American Museum of Philadelphia 

The President's: Their Untold Stories in Quilts

This work honors the divine human spirits held as slaves by those in leadership promoting freedom. The juxtaposition of these concepts is at its core incomprehensible. President Washington’s “ownership” over slaves dictated where and how they would live, what they could wear, separated families and even removed slave’s teeth to replace his own. Slavery in this country continues in various forms. Let this work remind us that none of us are free until we are all free.

The "slave shirt" is made of burlap often what was used to "cut down costs". Names of the Divine Nine are listed above, background fabric is the US Declaration of Independence. There is bead work and hand and machine quilting. I  will post detail and more clear photo later. If you are in or near the Philly area stop by and enjoy the exhibit.


Gracias Michelle for all you have done to make this powerful truth telling exhibit a reality!

a visit from turtle

I had a visit from turtle. Slowly and silently he appeared along the deck to remind me to be grounded to the Earth, honor my creative inner voice, and mother myself in the process.

 Like turtle we have shields that protect us from hurt, envy, jealousy, and the unconsciousness of others.

Turtle teaches you how to use protection. If you are bothered by the actions or words of others, it is time to go inside yourself and honor your feelings.

Experiencing Some Arkansas "True Grit"

Palm Beach sun, fun, food, and art!

First we rode in this, then this!

The first thing I did when I arrived was to greet Yemaya. It has been a long time since I danced in the ocean. It was good to feel the warm sand on my feet,  wind in my hair and jump a few waves. I made new memories and remembered the trips to the beach as a chiquita with my family.

Whooopie!

Whooopie…..Happy New Year to me…its my birthday. 

Tlazocamati Ometeo for another year and this year the beginning of the First Night of the Ninth Wave of the Mayan calendar. May we all begin to nurture the seeds we have planted as we grow more conscious of who we are and how we walk for the Greater Good.

As the years have progressed I have taken the tradition, (as soon to be Doña Sabrina) that I will celebrate for several days and will eventually take the entire month. Why? Because it is an honor to live another year and be given the opportunity to grow on my journey. To have been given the courage and spirit to fire walk and exchange life’s lessons with others on this journey. To have been given the love that flows from my mouth and hands to tell the stories in words and cloth so that they may not be lost. And be given the privilege to clear the path where possible so that those that follow will be closer, as the elders have done before me. So as this year approached I once again prepared to shed my skin. I sang to the silver moon, cleansed myself with the sweet scent of copal, sweet grass, and sage and now have begun another year on my journey.

Ropes course of life

We welcomed the Ninth Wave on March 9, 2011 and will continue with the Light (time for us to move/ action) and Darkness (time to rest) as we are told by the Mayan calender. This wave is about planting the seeds of unity consciousness and nurturing it to full fruit come October 28, 2011. Its a major shift in energy and so far this Mayan New Year has brought many lessons for me. Its an exciting time with lessons pouring in from all directions. Its also close to my personal New Year and that's always a time of shedding and rebirth. So this year its a double shot of the trinity: challenge, creativity, and change.

 I feel that lately I have been on my own personal ropes challenge course of sorts. I have been experiencing a mix of high and low elements. I know its an adventure. Its scary but one I have chosen. I've done my Myers Brigg Type Indicator and that shed more light on my known strengths and challenges. I put my fears in a hat, read them out loud and its time to step out and update my life map. I'm OK with the cat walking to help create balance and build my confidence. And I'm much better at mindful walks than I am at the trust fall. So I guess that means I have to stretch myself again.

Jardin color

Spring is here and color is everywhere. I lovingly remember my special one on one time with my Grandfather in his garden. He taught me many lessons. Not only about what plants are good companions, but life lessons as we moved our hands through the soil creating waves of color to enjoy the entire summer.