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Media Contacts
Phanalphie Rhue
E: Phanalphie.Rhue@bennett.edu
O: (336) 907-0197
A Stitch in Time: How a Bennett College Christmas Card
Inspired the Gift of an Artisan Crafted Quilt
Greensboro, NC — Following the reunion weekend activities during the 2024 commencement weekend, two women stood in front of a masterpiece that radiated both artistic brilliance and heartfelt devotion. President Suzanne Elise Walsh, JD, and alumna Marilyn Y. Gore, class of 1974, were absorbed in conversation as they admired the quilted representation of the iconic "Black Madonna" stained glass window, created by the late artist Eva Hamlin Miller and installed in Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel. This quilt, now hanging prominently, is more than an art piece. It is a labor of love, a reflection of family, faith, and heritage—and it all started with a simple Christmas card.
“It’s amazing how something so small can spark such a grand idea,” Gore said, gesturing toward the quilt’s vivid blues, golds, and blacks. “When I received that Christmas card from Bennett, featuring the Black Madonna, I tucked it into a drawer. I loved the image so much, and I said to myself, ‘One day, I’m going to make this.’ And years later, here it is.”
A Gift of Artistry and Collaboration
The quilt, an intricate mosaic of hand-dyed fabric and precision stitching, came to life through the combined efforts of Gore and her daughter, Charlene. Gore, a lifelong quilter and owner of "Stitching and Stirring," turned to her daughter for help in creating this ambitious project.
“I only had the Christmas card to work from,” Gore explained. “Charlene enlarged the image and dyed the fabric herself—every color you see here is her work. She’s an artist in her own right.” Her voice brimmed with pride as she described the painstaking process of cutting the fabric and assembling the design.
The most challenging element, however, was the black bias tape outlining the design, which required meticulous handwork. “That’s the hardest part,” Gore admitted, pointing to the bold black lines that mimic the structure of stained glass. “But it was worth every moment.”
Even the face of the Madonna—a serene and maternal visage—posed its challenges. “I’m not the best artist in the world,” Gore confessed with a laugh. “By the time we got to the face, Charlene and I were cussing and fussing. I prayed about it and finally said, ‘I can do this.’ And I did.”
President Walsh leaned in, marveling at the quilt’s detail. “What strikes me,” she said, “is how it’s not perfectly symmetrical, yet it feels so alive. It’s beautiful.”
Quilting as a Lifelong Passion
For Gore, quilting has always been a part of her life. Growing up on a farm, she learned embroidery and quilting from her mother. “I’ve been quilting since I was 14,” she shared. “Those early lessons in stitching taught me patience and creativity—skills that I’ve carried with me ever since.”
As a Home Economics major at Bennett, with a concentration in clothing, Gore honed her craft further. After graduating, she earned advanced degrees and certifications, eventually becoming a Family and Consumer Sciences Educator. Her expertise in textiles and her passion for teaching led her to inspire generations of students.
Today, Gore continues to express her creativity through her business, "Stitching and Stirring." The "Black Madonna" quilt holds a special place in her heart—a project that weaves together love, family, and her alma mater.
A Symbol of Bennett’s Legacy
The quilt is not only a personal triumph but also a tribute to Bennett College’s legacy. “I got married in the chapel,” Gore reminisced. “That space, that window, has always been meaningful to me. Creating this quilt was my way of giving back to the college that gave me so much.”
When asked why she chose to gift the quilt to Bennett, Gore’s answer was simple: “It belongs here. The Black Madonna represents strength, resilience, and grace—all qualities that Bennett instills in its students.”
President Walsh agreed, calling the quilt a perfect addition to the Global Learning Center. “This piece doesn’t just hang on a wall—it speaks to everyone who sees it. It tells a story of artistry, family, and connection.”
The Holiday Spirit of Giving
Those who gaze upon the "Black Madonna" quilt are reminded of Bennett College’s rich history, the creativity and innovation it fosters, and the sense of belonging that transcends generations.
The quilt’s origin—a Christmas card sent by the College—adds a layer of holiday magic to its story. What began as a seasonal greeting evolved into a lasting legacy, one that will inspire generations of Bennett students and visitors.
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About Bennett College:
Bennett College, celebrating its 150th year anniversary in 2023, is ranked the #1 national liberal arts college for social mobility for 2022 and a 2022-2023 Best College for Social Mobility by global education ranking authority U.S. News & World Report and is designated as a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for five consecutive years (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024). Bennett College has a 90% retention rate and is ranked as one of the Top 25 Women’s Colleges in the country for 2023 by BestColleges.com.
Founded in 1873 and chartered as a college for women in 1926, Bennett is committed to cultivating bold women leaders, entrepreneurs and agents of social change using an integrated approach to the intellectual, social, and spiritual development of its student body. Beyond its undergraduate degree program, its continuing studies offerings provide learning opportunities for professional development and personal enrichment, engaging and inspiring women to connect, exchange ideas, and upskill.
Legendary Bennett leaders include alumna Dr. Carolyn Payton, appointed in 1977 by US President Jimmy Carter as the first woman and first African American Director of the Peace Corps; former Bennett professor and current United States Congresswoman Alma Adams, founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional HBCU Caucus; alumna Glendora Putnam, first African American woman to serve as assistant attorney general in the state of Massachusetts; and alumna Beverly Buchanan, an artist whose work is in the collection the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Whitney Museum of American Art. For more information, visit bennett.edu.
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