STOP THE ERASURE OF BLACK CREATIVITY
Today, the art world stands at a critical moment. In the face of renewed, concerted efforts to erase the artistic contributions of Black Americans from our nation’s cultural narrative, the mission of Souls Grown Deep—to counter the long history and present reality of Black artistic contributions being overlooked, undervalued, or erased—is more important than ever.
Souls Grown Deep is committed to doing this work with care, rigor, and long-term impact, grounded in community collaboration. We invite you to stand with us in ensuring that Black artworks and histories are preserved, documented, and centered where they belong.
In honor of Black History Month, all February contributions will receive access to a digital catalog of the Souls Grown Deep exhibition, Between History and Memory: Dinah Miller’s Legacy in Gee’s Bend, as a thank-you gift for your support.
This publication reflects one example of the work your generosity makes possible: researching, documenting, and amplifying a story that might otherwise have been lost.
Your donation helps us:
Preserve Cultural Heritage
Support the documentation and preservation of work by Black artists from the American South, ensuring their contributions are not erased but recognized, studied, and celebrated for generations to come.
Amplify Overlooked Stories
Fund research, exhibitions, and publications that bring forward artists and histories long excluded from dominant narratives—centering Black creativity with dignity and care.
Strengthen Communities
Foster economic investment and creative opportunity in Black Belt communities through initiatives such as cultural tourism, the Gee’s Bend Heritage Trail, and the annual Airing of the Quilts Festival.
Advocate for Structural Change
Advance systemic efforts within the arts to confront inequities that continue to marginalize Black artists and their legacies.
This February, your contribution—at any level—directly supports the work of resisting erasure and sustaining a more truthful, inclusive cultural record.
Make your gift today and stand with Souls Grown Deep
in ensuring Black creativity is preserved, protected, and never forgotten.
Thank you for being part of this work and for helping us carry these stories forward.
LJ
Linley Jones
This contribution is made with gratitude for the vision and friendship of Bill Arnett, the founder of Souls Grown Deep Foundation.
Anonymous
MC
Mary Campbell
donated
$250
The quilts of Gee's bend have given me much joy and inspiration over the years. Time to give back!
F
Francoise
donated
$52.23
AB
Louise Gray, LLC
donated
$1,157.42
Our limited edition Black History quilts are inspired by the endurance, community, and creativity of Gee’s Bend. We are proud to donate the profits from these pieces to Souls Grown Deep. To the generations of artists stitching together their story...
AB
Louise Gray, LLC
donated
$2,513.40
Our limited edition Black History quilts are inspired by the endurance, community, and creativity of Gee’s Bend. We are proud to donate the profits from these pieces to Souls Grown Deep. To the generations of artists stitching together their story...
Anonymous
Gavi Kestenbaum gave art lessons and asked we donate here; glad to be aware of your mission!
WB
Wes Bargeloh
donated
$500
In memory of Martha(a lifetime quilter) would be thrilled to know what your lifetime of quilting has done
HB
OZMA x Caroline Z Hurley
donated
$860.54
AM
Alan Marzilli
donated
$50
Thanks for doing this important work!
DH
Dennis Hamilton
donated
$52.23
R
Robert
donated
$52.23
Thank you for sharing these wonderful quilts with the world. They are so inspiring!
AB
Andrea Bass
Reina, A pleasure to see you on this presentation and donate to this worthy organization. If you come to NYC, please look me up. ;) (There's a a Howardeena Pindell exhibition at The Shed which may interest you.)
L
Lashon
donated
$259.92
HB
OZMA of California
donated
$894.54
J
Jessica
JP
Jennifer Polnaszek
donated
$26.27
Thank you for introducing me to these wonderful women and to them for allowing me to experience something of their art lives.
RS
Rob Shea
donated
$52.23
Thank you, artists! Yours is the most vibrant, vital, challenging art that's ever been produced in our country.
LK
Libby Klitsch
donated
$52.23
I heard a quote once that said, "When life gives your scraps, make a quilt." I am deeply moved and inspired by the artistry of these quilts and the community of African American Women who make them.
A
MUNICIPAL
donated
$300
In memory of the the Souls Grown Deep founder, William Arnett. A highly respected, accomplished and generous philanthropist, art collector and patron. But perhaps most of all a massively accomplished father, as evident by his son Harry.
JB
Jessica Baumert
donated
$100
KS
Karen Silbert
Black lives matter. I believe artists will change the world
AM
Andrea Miller
donated
$250
SK
Susan Kaplow
donated
$104.15
The exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of the quilts and the work of Thornton Dial et.al. was one of the best and most enlightening shows I've ever seen. Bravo for lifting up these artists and now helping the community.
Anonymous
donated
$52.23
SS
Esther's Fabrics
Please direct this money to Gee's Bend, AL to help with their revitalization.
R
Ruby
donated
$104.15/Y