Allyson Allen

I am a former high school English and Special Education teacher. For thirty years I’ve been teaching quilting, doll making, and altered book art through state-funded programs in public and private schools, including three Southern California Youth Authority facilities for seven of those years. I also teach at quilt shows, quilt retreats, quilt guilds, and on multi-guild quilt cruises.
My unique, original story quilts are in a genre considered information art. My quilts combine art, craft, research, original design, history, and culture in traditional and contemporary pieces exemplifying a cross-disciplinary approach to quilt making. I use traditional materials to create unique, dimensional textile art, quilts, dolls, & handmade books. My work often references American history, social issues, African folklore, or Black history. Many of my quilts are created specifically for storytelling presentations. My handmade quilted journals usually incorporate recycled materials, fabric, and stitched paper elements. My work has been exhibited throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Europe, and Africa. I am a multiple California Arts Council grant award recipient, twice nominated for NEA National Heritage Fellowship consideration, and have been recognized for three decades as an award-winning Master African American Quilt and Doll Artist by the state of California. I am a Special Exhibitor, lecturer, and instructor for Mancuso National Quilt Shows.

Offerings include: African American Textiles/History, African Textiles/History, In-person lecture, In-person trunk show, In-person workshop, Inspiration, Quilt Design, Social activism/Message quilts, Technique – Appliqué, Technique – Finishing, Technique – Improvisation, Technique – Modern Traditionalism, Technique – Surface Design

kuumba421@hotmail.com