The words that shaped us. The wisdom that stayed with us.

You know those words Mama used to say - the ones that still echo in your head at just the right moment?

“Mama Used to Say…” is an exhibit where NAAQG quilt artists have stitched their interpretations of those memorable sayings into fiber art.

This exhibit celebrates the sayings, lessons, stories, and loving guidance passed down from Mama, Big Mama, Granny, Nana, Auntie—and all the women and family members who helped keep us grounded, encouraged us to grow, and taught us lessons that stayed with us long after childhood.

Now, it is the NAAQG artists’ turn to tell their stories through cloth.

Each artist has interpreted “Mama Used to Say…” in her own way through story, symbolism, color, design, and words. Their inspiration may have come from a familiar phrase heard throughout childhood or from a saying known only within their family.

Some words made them laugh.

Some taught important lessons.

Some kept them safe.

Some offered encouragement when life was difficult.

And some became words they carried with them throughout their lives.

Through these quilts, Mama’s wisdom lives on.

Mama said it.

We remembered it.

Now we share it.