Topeka — The Mulvane Art Museum and the Brown Foundation will co-host the exhibition “Quilting African American Women’s History: Our Challenges, Creativity & Champions” Feb. 14 to April 5, 2009. The exhibition will be at the Mulvane, on the Washburn University campus, Feb. 14 through April 5, 2009, and at the Brown v Board of Education National Historic Site at 1515 SE Monroe, Feb. 15 through March 30, 2009. Half of the quilts will be on display at each of the sites and visitors are encouraged to view the exhibitions at the two locations. “Quilting African American Women’s History: Our Challenges, Creativity, and Champions” will introduce American audiences to a collection of powerful artworks that illuminate and interpret the rich history of African American women from the beginning of this country’s history through the present. Building upon the historic tradition of quilting in the African American community, this exhibit brings together a collection of 90 works by nationally recognized fiber artists that illustrate a broad range of artistic techniques and inspirations, shed light on the lives and experiences of African American women and examine the role these women have played in the arenas ranging from education, politics and religion to the arts, business and family. The exhibit was organized by the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center of the Ohio Historical Society, Wilberforce, Ohio, and was curated by artist, historian and curator Carolyn Mazloomi. An opening reception will be 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 at both locations. Exhibit hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, 1515 SE Monroe. The Mulvane will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free at both locations. ***The Mulvane Art Museum will host two special programs in celebration of the exhibition. Programs are offered free of charge and registration is required. To register, contact Kandis Barker at 785-670-2420. “Our Story: Family and Community,” 10 a.m. – noon, Saturday, March 7Participants will create a painted quilt block that will be sewn with othersto assemble a quilt celebrating an individual’s story and our community. The quilt blocks and the finished work will be exhibited in the Mulvane Art Museum education department. Leader of this family, adult and adult-with-child experience will be featured artist Marla Jackson. “Sharing our Stories,” 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 7Quilters are invited to bring their handmade creations and join others in sharing the story behind the work.Programs are offered free of charge and registration is required. Please call Kandis Barker at 785-670-2420 for more information and registration. The Mulvane Art Museum is located on the Washburn University campus at 17th and Jewell Streets, adjacent to White Concert Hall. No admission is charged. For additional information, call 785-670-1124, e-mail [email protected], or go to www.washburn.edu/mulvane/. -30-