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Gee’s 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 Gee’s 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.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Marlene Bennett Jones and, perhaps, her story.