To many Americans, quilts are valued only for their practicality – they keep us warm. But in African American culture, quilts tell stories of sadness, love and violence.

Students explored this storytelling facet during the African American Quilts Discussion, which took place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Ohio State Urban Arts Center.

Carolyn Mazloomi and Patricia A. Turner were the speakers and experts for this discussion. Mazloomi, a quilt artist and historian from Cinicinnati and author of “Spirits of the Cloth,” shared her fascination with quilting by displaying beautiful quilts from black artists. The quilts featured pictures ranging from portraits of Ma Rainey and Dr. Jeanette Cole to historical events such as the first civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala. There were even quilts depicting President Barack Obama as a tribute to his legacy in African American history.

When asked what captured her passion with quilting, Mazloomi said, “I just love the cloth, it has a vocabulary of its own. I love the spirit of the cloth.”

Patricia A. Turner, a professor of African American and African Studies at the University of California and author of “Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters,” took the scholarly approach to quilting. Turner discussed how quilts represent the diversity of black quilt makers, and reflect the diversity of African American culture. In her book “Crafted Lives,” Turner interviews quilt makers of all ages and asks how the quilt makers tell their life stories through quilt making.

Turner said that, while writing her book, she was impressed by the fact that people actually finish their quilts.

“Quilting is not an easy task. The cloth, patterns, threading and sewing takes time and patience – a lot goes into it,” she said. “So I am impressed when people finish quilts because there are many people out there with unfinished quilts.”

Angela Nicholson, a quilter, substitute teacher of Columbus Public schools and 1971 alumna of OSU, attended the discussion in order to gain more knowledge to bring back to her students.

“The quote that touched me the most was when Carolyn said, ‘If you want to make a difference in a child’s life, introduce them to the arts.’ I would like to share the wealth of this art and I am more inspired to do so,” Nicholson said.

Brittany Jones can be reached at [email protected].