Arcola Pettway

Arcola Pettway (1934–1994) was an American artist associated with the Gee's Bend group of quilters.

Her work is included in the collection of the High Museum of Art.

Life

Arcola Young was raised by her mother, Deborah Young, and her grandfather, Reverend Paul S. Pettway. Her mother also raised Young's cousin, Leola Pettway. Leola described their childhood as being full of play and adventure, like fishing, singing in church choirs, and inventing games.

Young married Joseph Pettway, brother of Lucy T. Pettway, and together they had 12 children. They farmed together and Young was a part of a gospel singing group, the Golden Angels.

Work

Young's mother taught her cousin, Leola, to quilt first because she was five years older than Young. Together, both women taught Young to piece and quilt.

References

1934 births

1994 deaths

20th-century American women artists

20th-century American artists

Gee's Bend quilters

African-American women artists

20th-century African-American women

20th-century African-American artists