Women and Agency- History 101 Quilt Project

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Exhibit Dates

March 18 through April 29, 2026

Reception and Quilt Presentation to BRASS

Wednesday, April 29, 2026  2PM.

Light refreshments and brief remarks. All are welcome to attend. 

 

Professor Kathryn Reetzke's  HIST 101 students worked on on this project fall semester 2025. Ninety-four students made squares using embroidery with the theme of the course "Women and Agency" in mind.

The two quilts on display in the Window Gallery of the KY Museum will be donated to two women leaving housing at BRASS in order to start new lives after fleeing domestic abuse. Students also wrote descriptions of their squares, along with a message of hope for the women receiving them.

Student Reflections and Messages 

I chose that image because it was meant to represent an overwhelmed Mary holding baby Jesus, not knowing what was going to happen in the future. To me, this quilt square means that even in your blankest moments, you can still find color in the little things in life.  I hope that the recipient finds peace and color in their life in times of need and despair.

-Case Hooten

 

I chose to embroider a statue of a nurse holding a baby surrounded by lavenders and geraniums, which represent tranquility and tenacity. When creating it, I imagined the pride I felt in caring for my younger sister and young children within my neighborhood, feeling empowered by the community among us. I hope this image inspires strength, as women take pride in child care, and community.

-Liz Horn

 

I chose this image because it shows strength and love. The flexed arm stands for power, and the hearts add color and meaning. My square reminds me to stay strong. The hearts show the people and things that support me. I hope it gives the recipient confidence and comfort. I want them to feel strong and cared for when they see it.

-Nakhyia Staten

 

The image I chose was a veil that represents the abuelitas de la Plaza de Mayo, a group of women who bravely advocated for the return of their families that had been disappeared by the Argentine dictatorship. I chose it because to me, it is a symbol of resistance and power from the people of my country, as well as a representation of hope in dark times and that they will never let something so terrible happen again. I hope that the recipient will see that even in dark times, you should never lose your voice and your power.

-Diego Alcaraz-Monje

 

My quilt square demonstrates the symbol for the goddess of Freya, as well as specific colors that correlate with motherhood. For instance, pink symbolizes nurturing warmth and compassion, yellow symbolizes joy and optimism, blue symbolizes calmness and peace, and purple symbolizes wisdom and dignity. I chose this image because it reminds us how powerful women can be, and it represents a woman who is a goddess of love,fertility, and beauty. This quilt square means very much to me as it allows us to see that women have been strong and powerful for a long time, despite what many have said and experienced. I hope this quilt square will bring peace and confidence to the recipient,recalling that women deserve to be loved and cherished for all the work that they endure.

-Hayden Gamberini

 

My quilt square is of an Egyptian female musician that was the leader of an all-female music group; I chose it because I felt like it demonstrated that women have always had the ability to be leaders. To me she represents joy, and the countless ways women can be talented and rise above sexist notions towards greatness and acclaim. I hope that the square can serve as a reminder to be proud of herself and her talents, and that she is capable of greatness regardless of her status or situation.

-Ava Jarrell