From Rags to Geechees

MILFORD — Rosemary Gatti, came back from Charleston South Carolina with more than a souvenir or two, she brought back a cultural art form called rag quilting which originated with the “Gullah” people who are descendants of enslaved Africans.

These communities can be found on the Sea Islands of South Carolina and Georgia. They have a unique culture that is directly linked to West Africa. In South Carolina this group of African-Americans and the language they speak are referred to as Gullah (Gul-luh). In Georgia, they are called Geechee (Gee-chee). Native Islanders is another term that refers to the Gullah and Geechee people.

Gatti, a retired art teacher from Newark, N.J., will share this art in an adult workshop at Milford Borough Hall on June 23 from 1 to 4 p.m.

“I became fascinated with the culture of the people,” said Gatti. “They are also known for their rich storytelling, sweet grass baskets and fabric arts.”

She took a workshop called “Gullah Rag Quilting” presented by Sharon Cooper-Murray, aka the “Gullah Lady” at the Charleston Museum. She has always had an interest in learning about different cultures and sharing her knowledge with her students.

While she has worked with children and offered art classes to them, this will be her first adult workshop. Rag quilting is completely different from quilting as most people know it.

According to Gatti, the Gullah people gathered to share stories and socialize as they quilted. Feed and grain sacks were combined with rag strips to make unique quilts. A large nail and a pair of scissors were the only tools needed to create their quilts.

This quilting tradition dates back to the antebellum period and was passed from generation to generation until recent years. It is now enjoying resurgence with textile artists and crafters alike.

Gatti takes rag quilting to a different level by displaying her pieces stretched and framed as wall art. She also turns them into pillows and rugs.

There are already quite a few people signed up for the workshop and there is no limit. Gatti will supply all the art materials, music and try to create the “feel” of being down south.

During the class, students will learn how to cut the fabric into strips and by using a large nail push the fabric into the burlap, and then tying the individual strips into knots. They can complete a small sized “sample” quilt and gain the skill of creating larger pieces on their own.

The Gullah/Geechee people, she says, “have their own history, and share a common language that is still spoken today.”

Her mission is to keep their culture alive through making people aware of it. She encourages others to appreciate the value that different cultures have in the spirit of preserving all who came to this country and what they brought with them.

Gatti goes down to Charleston periodically and takes classes on the traditions of the south. The self-proclaimed snow bird says it is fascination to learn about the art and culture of the “low country” and all it has to offer.

She encourages anyone interested in seeing this art form to look for Sharon Cooper-Murray on Youtube.com where they can get a feel for the art form and the Gullah people before signing up for the workshop.

For more information contact Rosemary Gatti at 570 296-7693 or gattiart@juno.com.