In a heartwarming celebration during the 2024 commencement weekend, President Suzanne Elise Walsh and alumna Marilyn Y. Gore, Class of 1974, stood before an extraordinary quilt that pays homage to Bennett College’s storied heritage. This intricate masterpiece, a quilted representation of the renowned “Black Madonna” stained glass window, was created by the late artist Eva Hamlin Miller and now hangs proudly in Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel.
The quilt is more than just an artistic work; it represents a long journey of inspiration sparked by a simple Christmas card. “It’s amazing how something so small can spark such a grand idea,” said Gore, reflecting on the quilt’s embellished blue, gold, and black hues. After receiving a card featuring the Black Madonna from Bennett, Gore tucked it away, hoping to bring the image to life one day.
Gore collaborated with her daughter, Charlene, an artist, to translate the Christmas card into fabric. “I only had the Christmas card to work from,” Gore explained, praising Charlene’s skill in enlarging the image and dyeing the fabrics. The creation process required meticulous attention, especially when outlining the design with black bias tape.
Despite challenges, including the intricacies of depicting the Madonna’s face, the final product emerged as a testament to their combined talents. Walsh marveled at the quilt, noting its imperfect symmetry only added to its vibrancy and life.
Quilting has been a lifelong passion for Gore, who learned the craft at a young age on her family farm. Her experience as a Home Economics major at Bennett refined her skills, prompting her to inspire countless students as a family and consumer sciences educator. Through her business, “Stitching and Stirring,” Gore continues to explore her creativity.
Strength Resilience and Grace
The quilt holds profound personal significance for Gore, symbolizing her art and deep connection to Bennett College. “I got married in the chapel,” she reminisced, emphasizing the window’s importance in her life. She wanted to contribute to the college that shaped her journey, so she gave the quilt to Bennett. “It belongs here,” she asserted, highlighting the qualities of strength, resilience, and grace represented by the Black Madonna.
President Walsh echoed Gore’s sentiments, celebrating the quilt as a significant addition to Bennett’s Global Learning Center. “I only had the Christmas card to work from,” she said.
