Art and History and Tremendous Talent – Unite

Janette Holland’s company name speaks volumes about herself, her spirituality, and her work.

“Blessed Hands” was established in March of 2017, lives locally. Janette has become a well-established and well-loved mixed media fiber artist. She has created and installed numerous commission pieces across the country.  A prestigious D.C. law firm has commissioned several pieces from her, allowing them to tell stories of African American culture, history and art.

Janette has loaned a beautiful quilt to the Visitor Center (pictured.)  It is on display through March 31.  Because of the intricacies of the piece, it has to truly be seen, in person, to fully appreciate.

Because of the subject of the art, it also appropriate that a FABRIC media be used to tell the amazing story of fashion designer, Ann Lowe.

Lowe, born in Alabama, is the beautiful subject of the breathtaking quilt. She was an influential and pioneering Black seamstress. Ms. Lowe, in 1953, famously designed the wedding dress, and the accompanying bridal party, for Jacqueline Kennedy.  Ann Lowe’s story is as intricate and compelling as the art on display. It has many twists and turns, including weeks before the Kennedy wedding, a devastating fire occurred in her New York Studio – destroying much of her work.

Ann Lowe, tirelessly remade the work.  When delivering the dresses, the Kennedy staff refused to allow her entrance through the front door.  She refused to deliver the dresses until she was appropriately admitted, walking proudly through the front door.

You can read many articles about her life and work. A great summary is found at the Winterthur Museum’s link.

Read more about Janette – when you visit the meticulous and inspiring Ann Lowe quilt at the Visitor Center’s new location, 601 Caroline Street, open daily 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.