Quilters of Gee’s Bend in Residence with UAB Arts in Medicine from Feb. 26-29

By Shannon Thomason/UAB Members of the Quilters of Gee’s Bend will lead quilt-making and sewing demonstrations and workshops in residence with University of Alabama at Birmingham Arts in Medicine from Feb. 26-29. The artistry of the Quilters of Gee’s Bend has been acclaimed as one of the world’s most vibrant contemporary textile traditions. During the residency, the artists will work with UAB Medicine to set up public sewing spaces in the UAB Women and Infants Center, The Kirklin Clinic and UAB Hospital-Highlands. The demonstrations will take place in the main lobbies, in addition to special workshops for health care staff and UAB Medicine patients and families. At the end of their residency, one of their iconic quilts will be added to the hospital’s permanent art collection and hang in a main area for patients, visitors and health care staff to enjoy. Growing research in the field of arts in medicine has demonstrated that incorporating the arts into the healing environment can reduce anxiety and perceived pain, provide a positive distraction, and reduce the length of hospital stay and need for pain medication, says UAB Arts in Medicine Director Kimberly Kirklin. It can also improve self-confidence, provide a sense of control...