Instructor Joyce Huizinga, of Dempolis, helps Chair Caning participant with her project.  These participants are each caning special family heirloom chairs - Jean (far left) is working on her grandmother's kitchen chair and Sherre (far right) is working on her husband's childhood ladder back chair.  Treasured pieces are being given new life while these participants learn a "new" art!

Melissa works on a footstool while watching other participants at work on their projects.

"I had so much fun getting messy with the clay at the class. I really learned a lot about pottery making. I really love my bowl that I made to put my favorite jewelry in." -Laura Grace Creswell

In his own words: Gee's Bend artist Tyree McCloud on his quilt murals

Posted by Birmingham News July 30, 2008 5:55 AM

In the warehouse at the Black Belt Treasures store in Camden, Gee's Bend artist Tyree McCloud is painting murals of Gee's Bend quilts that were depicted on postage stamps last year. When completed, the murals will form a 17-mile Gee's Bend Quilt Mural Trail.

Tyree McCloud examines the detailed painting on half of his mural depicting a quilt by Jessie T. Pettway. When complete, the mural will be part of a Gee's Bend Quilt Mural Trail and be placed near Pettway's home.

Black Belt Treasures is one of Alabama’s beauty spots and it is surely one of my favorites. Thanks to you and the group who helped to bring this about.

Please accept my warmest thank you for your awesome hospitality to the several groups I have asked you to host.  They have all enjoyed the local history and wonderful background information on the artists. It was quite an honor for my guests to purchase an Alabama treasure there at Black Belt Treasures.

Again, my sincere gratitude to you and your staff. - Alma M. Lett, Evergreen, Alabama