Living Black Worlds: Adinkra Iron-On Quilting Class
Enjoy a hands-on introduction to Adinkra symbols and the art of quilting with renowned artist and teacher Kena Tangi Dorsey of Oakland, CA.
Oakland-based artist and educator Kena Tangi Dorsey will lead an engaging, hands-on workshop at Phoenix Center for the Arts, inviting participants to learn the art of patch quilt making as well a the meaning of West African Adinkra symbols.
Kena Tangi Dorsey is a quilt artist, educator, pattern designer, and owner of Kena Quilt Studio. She began her quilting journey over 25 years ago in Harlem, NYC, and has since developed a vibrant artistic style that blends contemporary design, modern improv, and traditional techniques. But it's creating portrait art quilts that truly makes her heart sing.
Known for her bold use of color and pattern, Kena is passionate about working with striking textiles—especially Indonesian batiks, African batiks, and African wax prints. Her work is brought to life through free-motion quilting, where each stitch adds texture and movement to her vivid fabric compositions!
Each registration for this session includes a complete crafting kit, which you’ll use to create your own original textile piece to take home.
The tradition of African American quilting dates back to the era of chattel slavery, when quilts were stitched by hand using available materials—cotton dresses, frayed ribbon, seed bags—resulting in bold, imaginative color palettes and textures.
In this session, participants will also be introduced to Adinkra symbols, a visual language developed by the Akan people of present-day Ghana. Together, we’ll assemble quilts that weave African American ingenuity with West African–rooted expression.
Join us to learn this beautiful artistic craft and perhaps begin a new tradition with your own loved ones.
Enjoy a hands-on introduction to Adinkra symbols and the art of quilting with renowned artist and teacher Kena Tangi Dorsey of Oakland, CA.
Oakland-based artist and educator Kena Tangi Dorsey will lead an engaging, hands-on workshop at Phoenix Center for the Arts, inviting participants to learn the art of patch quilt making as well a the meaning of West African Adinkra symbols.
Kena Tangi Dorsey is a quilt artist, educator, pattern designer, and owner of Kena Quilt Studio. She began her quilting journey over 25 years ago in Harlem, NYC, and has since developed a vibrant artistic style that blends contemporary design, modern improv, and traditional techniques. But it's creating portrait art quilts that truly makes her heart sing.
Known for her bold use of color and pattern, Kena is passionate about working with striking textiles—especially Indonesian batiks, African batiks, and African wax prints. Her work is brought to life through free-motion quilting, where each stitch adds texture and movement to her vivid fabric compositions!
Each registration for this session includes a complete crafting kit, which you’ll use to create your own original textile piece to take home.
The tradition of African American quilting dates back to the era of chattel slavery, when quilts were stitched by hand using available materials—cotton dresses, frayed ribbon, seed bags—resulting in bold, imaginative color palettes and textures.
In this session, participants will also be introduced to Adinkra symbols, a visual language developed by the Akan people of present-day Ghana. Together, we’ll assemble quilts that weave African American ingenuity with West African–rooted expression.
Join us to learn this beautiful artistic craft and perhaps begin a new tradition with your own loved ones.
Good to know
Highlights
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
Phoenix Center for the Arts
1202 North 3rd Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004
How do you want to get there?
