Special Exhibits at Atlanta Quilt Festival
Celebrating John Lewis
In 2022 the Atlanta Quilt Festival embarked on a three-year trilogy of exhibits designed to honor the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis. Congressman Lewis represented the Georgia 5th Congressional district where the Atlanta Quilt Festival is based. In addition to his great work in the Civil Rights Movement, he was a good man who loved quilts.
In 2022 the Atlanta Quilt Festival premiered “Good Trouble Quilts — Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Congressman John Lewis”. The quilts focused on the life and accomplishments of John Lewis.
In 2023 the Atlanta Quilt Festival premiered Part 2 of the John Lewis trilogy entitled “Thank you John Lewis! I am Your Wildest Dream!” The quilts expressed joy and gratitude for the beauty and benefits of the quilters’ lives because of his work.
In 2024 the Atlanta Quilt Festival premiered “Getting into MY Good Trouble — Continuing the Legacy of Congressman John Lewis”, the final exhibit in the trilogy. The quilts captured in cloth the work that remains to be done to continue to work toward the beloved community.
Banned Books
In 2025 the Atlanta Quilt Festival premiered "Freedom to Read What I Want" featuring banned books. With the unprecedented efforts to ban books on the rise, the Atlanta Quilt Festival chose to shine an artistic light on this crisis. Each art quilt depicts a banned book and the exhibit's mission is to provoke thought and discussion about the importance of freedom of speech, freedom of choice and often suppression of history.
Music Moves Movements
Currently on exhibit at this year's Atlanta Quilt Festival is "Music Moves Movements." This exhibit explores the deep connection between song and struggle, harmony and hope. Each quilt in this collection honors the melodies that carried generations thru hardship, inspired courage and unified voices for change. You can view all the quilts at the Southwest Arts Center Gallery and Evelyn G. Lowery Cascade Library until Sept 5, 2026.
