The U.S. Postal Service hosted a dedication ceremony in Athens for the new Forever Stamps that showcase the work of Athenian quiltmaker Harriet Powers.
The stamps highlight pieces of Powers’ work titled Pictorial Quilt, which shows scenes inspired by the Bible and local stories. The quilt is one of two surviving pieces by Powers. It was sewn in 1898.
Fred Smith Sr. is the president of the local branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. A native of Northeast Georgia, Smith says he and other Athenians never expected Powers to be recognized on the national stage.
“It’s not something that actually we could have imagined, that a former slave—and although her quilts are well renowned throughout the country—but that the U.S. Postal Service would not just issue one but four stamps in her honor, ” Smith said.
Powers was born into slavery in 1837 and gained recognition for her art in 1886. Smith says the ceremony held in Powers’ honor should encourage other Athenians to express themselves creatively.
“It just says that if you have something, expression in you, just let it come out,” Smith said.
The stamps are available across the U.S. at Post Office locations and online.
