Welcome to our Baltimore-based quilt guild, where quilters of all levels come together to find excitement and inspiration. Join us and discover the joy of quilting in a supportive and creative community.
About Us
Some members pose before a group quilt on exhibit at the James E. Lewis Museum of Art at Morgan State University.
The African American Quilters of Baltimore (AAQB) was founded in 1989 by the internationally known quilt artist, Barbara Pietila. Her primary goal was to offer support to African American quilters in an environment of acceptance and welcome, and to encourage the practice of quilting as an expression of a shared history and culture, while promoting quilting as an art form. The guild boasts quilters of skill levels ranging from beginner to master. AAQB members have been recognized with grants from the Maryland Council on the Arts, and with the Rubys Artist Grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.
AAQB’s history includes promoting its goals with talks, demonstrations, and workshops at the Textile Museum in Washington, DC, the Walters Art Museum, the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Reginald Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, the Maryland Center for History and Culture, the Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Maryland Institute College of Art.
Each One, Teach One
At the heart of our quilting community lies the profound wisdom of the African Proverb, ‘Each One, Teach One.’ This motto embodies our spirit of generosity and collaboration. We recognize that each of us possesses unique quilting skills, vision, and experiences. We foster a supportive environment where knowledge is shared willingly. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting your quilting journey, this motto encourages us to come together, exchange ideas and skills, and enrich the collective expertise of our community. Through this collaborative approach, we ensure that the art and craft of quilting flourishes among us, creating a vibrant tapestry of learning and creativity.