The African-American Quilters of Los Angeles (AAQLA) began in 1986 with just a handful of members after an exhibition of African-American quilts was held in the California Afro-American Museum in Exposition Park of Los Angeles. Today, the guild has grown to over 125 multi-ethnic members of all ages. The mission of the AAQLA is to bring awareness of the historical value of African-American quilts, as well as to celebrate and continue the tradition of quilting.
The guild meets the third Sunday of each month from 1:00 – 5:00 PM. They began meeting at a new location starting this month (March, 2017) at the Veterans Memorial Center in Culver City.
Caring Hearts is the name of their philanthropy committee. The committee organizes the creation and donation of hundreds of quilts and other quilted items annually to hospitals, foster homes, and senior citizen homes. Most recently, they donated over 30 quilts to Junior Blind of America.
At Road 2017, AAQLA displayed their opportunity quilt which will be given away at their semi-annual quilt show, It Takes A Village, to be held November 4, 2017 at the Carson Community Center in Carson. 
The quilt was designed by guild member Pam Johnson and was quilted by Claudette Bettis, another guild member. All of the stars on the quilt were made by various members of the guild. Proceeds from the quilt will go to support Caring Hearts.
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Photo by Brian Roberts Photography[/caption]
Olga, the guild’s opportunity quilt coordinator, has been with the guild since 1999. She loves the “fellowship and creativity of the very talented members and teachers. It’s a fun place to be on Sunday.”
Set your calendar for November 4th to enjoy a truly cultural celebration.
To learn more about the African-American Quilters of Los Angeles, please visit their website.]]>
Tags: AAQLA. African American Quilts, It Takes A Village, Junior Blind of America, Opportunity Quilt
