LOUISVILLE, Ky. — "Obama Tie Quilt," the very first quilt Louisville artist Joe Mallard ever stitched, is joining the collection at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
The quilt, which consists of thousands of tiny stitches and hand-tied knots, took Mallard, 81, five years to complete. He began working on the quilt in June 2008 and sent it to the center in June 2024.
During the Kentucky Quilts and Quiltmakers program Jan. 14 at Louisville's Frazier History Museum, Mallard said his dream was for "Obama Tie Quilt" to find its way to the Obama Presidential Center, a goal he accomplished with the help of Crystal Moten, lead curator at the Obama Presidential Center.
“The Obama Presidential Center Museum collects materials that help to tell the story of the nation’s forty-fourth President as that story is framed within the broader context of United States and global history," Moten said. "'Sunshine Joe' Mallard's magnificent and intricately crafted 'Obama Tie Quilt' allows the museum to interpret this history in a creative and engaging way."
"I was delighted to accept the piece into the Museum’s collection for its interpretative value as it relates to the history of the Obama Administration; because it connects to the importance of quilts and quilt making practice in African American life, culture and history; and finally because 'Sunshine Joe’s' incredible life story and artistic practice exemplify the transformational relationship between art and social practice — a key aspect of the mission and vision of the Obama Presidential Center.”
Mallard learned to stitch from his great-great grandmother, Mandy Green, who was born into slavery, according to a release. He said he never thought he would see an African American elected as president in his lifetime and "to have his 'Obama Tie Quilt' accepted to help tell that history through needle and thread is as good as it gets."
Mallard also embroidered a shirt for the late President Jimmy Carter in the 1970s, which is part of the collection at the Carter Presidential Library. His work is also on display at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky, and the Frazier History Museum.
Mallard, who was born in Mississippi, has lived in Louisville since 1973. He is known for teaching children the craft of quilting while discussing history, culture and empowerment.
