‘Alabama Authors Quilt’ exhibit, quilting lecture at library

MADISON – In recognition of Black History Month, Madison Public Library is joining other branches of the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library to commemorate the traditional artform of quilting.

The “Alabama Authors Quilt” series is a joint initiative between the library system and Historic Huntsville Foundation.

The driving force for the series, Tiavalya Befecadu is an award-winning, self-taught textile artist who has exhibited her work in local and national museums. Her Alabama Authors Quilt program explains her inspiration and what she calls “her quilting journey.”

NBC and CBS affiliate television networks, radio stations and other outlets have featured Befecadu on the importance of embracing Black culture and women’s voices through art. She believes in preserving the traditions of quilt making, not only as items of comfort but through timeless wall hangings as art.

In 2017, Befecadu founded Tiavalya Photography LLC, a minority, woman-owned small business specializing in family portraiture, corporate headshots and executive branding. In 2020, Befecadu expanded her creative portfolio to include custom textile art quilting created from photographs.

Befecadu teaches her textile art and quilting techniques to children, beginner quilters and craft enthusiasts. She is a member of Professional Photographers of America, Rocket City Modern Quilt Guild and Board of Directors for Historic Huntsville Foundation.

Individuals can meet Befecadu on Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. and view her Alabama Authors Quilt at Madison Public Library. Befecadu will discuss her inspiration that led to creating her quilt, which will be on display at branches of Huntsville-Madison County Public Library during February and March.

Also at 2 p.m. on Feb. 26, Dr. Elliott Knight will present “Patterns of History: Art and Quilting in Alabama.” Knight serves as Director of the Alabama State Council on the Arts. He authored “Alabama Creates: 200 Years of Art and Alabama Artists.”

Knight will discuss the art of quilting and Alabama’s artistic traditions. He will survey Alabama’s many acclaimed visual artists and provide historical context for living artists, such as Befecadu, whose Alabama Authors Quilt will be displayed during his presentation.

In addition, Madison Public Library will host “Quilt-Themed Storytimes” for infants through five-year-olds. Toddler Storytime on Feb. 21 at 9:30 a.m. will feature stories, songs and rhymes; Preschool Storytime will follow at 10:30 a.m. The same schedule applies on Feb. 22-23.

Befecadu’s quilts are for sale. For more information, visit tiavalya.com, hmcpl.org/alaauthorquilt or historichuntsville.org.