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Gees Bend quilter Marlene Bennett Jones will be at the Johnson Center for the Arts from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 23. This will be Bennett’s first ever solo museum exhibit displaying her quilts.

Andrea Pack said Gees Bend is known for its ties to the Civil Rights Movement and their Freedom Quilting bees.

Marlene Bennett Jones learned how to quilt from her mother, who learned from her mother, going back generations.

“This exhibit is equal parts history and fine art, Pack said. “The pieces are either large or small but are conceptualized as works of art. The pattern is designed completely by the quilter without patterns, and each one is sewn by hand.

Come to the artist reception to view the artwork and meet the artist, Pack said.

Avont Anderson is a Troy local who is extremely talented with colored pencils as well as other mediums. His work is photo-realistic and very modern, a great counterpoint to the history in the upstairs gallery. Come to this event to meet Avont and view his latest pieces of work.)

Lastly, (CATC) Celebration at the Center will be on Thursday, February 6, from 6-9. (Join us for our main annual fundraiser gala event: We will have a silent auction with some amazing donated items from local people and businesses (please support them!), onsite jewelry for sale by Douglas Brothers, dinner by KC Creative, a raffle for a custom painting by Jennifer Lindsey, and entertainment from the talented La’Roy Bodiford and Friends. Tickets are $75 for individuals, $25 for the raffle, and sponsorships are available for $300, $500, and $800. Find a groovy outfit and we’ll see you there! All of the funds raised help to support the operations of the Center and help us to fulfill our mission to bring arts experiences and education to Pike county and surrounding areas.