Tour Patterns in Abstraction: Black Quilts from the High Museum’s Collection

Join us as we step into the captivating world of Patterns in Abstraction: Black Quilts from the High’s Collection. The exhibition ends January 5th, so don’t miss your last chance to enjoy this exciting  exhibit that answers the question, “How can quilts made by Black women change the way we tell the history of abstract art?”

For more than a century, the potential kinship between quilts and abstract painting has sparked lively debate. Although the color-rich geometric patchwork of quilts is visually resonant with examples of abstract painting often credited as pinnacles of artistic innovation, many have argued that such comparisons fail to honor the integrity of quilts within their distinct conditions of production. Quilts made by Black women have too often been left out of the conversation altogether, a reflection of how they have also been underrepresented in art museum collections. The High has collected great examples of Black quilts since the 1980s and over the past six years has more than quintupled its holdings to ensure that Black quilts have a continually rotating presence in the museum’s collection galleries.

Let’s kick off 2025 strolling through galleries filled with mesmerizing quilts that highlight the intersection of rhythm, repetition, and artistic innovation. Bring your sense of wonder and a friend or two, and we’ll enjoy the exhibit together!

Cost:

•  SEFAA: There is no fee to attend the tour, but please register so that we know to expect you.
•  High Museum: Museum entry is free for High Museum members and $18.50 for non-members. You can pay at the door or, preferably, purchase tickets online. (Note: To guarantee parking, prepaid parking reservations can be added to ticket reservations at checkout, subject to availability.)

Getting There/Parking:

• By train: The High is directly across the street from the MARTA Arts Center Station (N5). Exit the station at the top level and follow signs to the museum. Visit the MARTA website for the most up-to-date schedule and route information.
• By bus: Visit the MARTA website for the most up-to-date schedule and route information.
• By car: Parking is available in the Woodruff Arts Center Garage. Members enjoy complimentary parking in the garage during regular daytime operating hours, subject to availability. For non-members rates are:
  • Free for 0 – 30 minutes.
  • $8 for 30 minutes – 1 hour.
  • $16 for 1 – 5 hours.

You can also park at the Promenade Parking Garage (32 14th Street, N.E.).

Time: Meet in the entry lobby of the High Museum of Art at 10 am

Image: Housetop with Multiple Borders, 1940s, maker once known.