In a heartwarming celebration during the 2024 commencement weekend, President Suzanne Elise Walsh and Marilyn Y. Gore, Class of 1974, stood in front of an extraordinary quilt honoring Bennett College’s historic legacy. This intricate masterpiece, the famous “Black Madonna” stained glass window, created by the late artist Eva Hamlin Miller and now proudly hanging in the Annie Merner Pfeiffer Chapel.
A quilt is not just a work of art; represents the long journey of inspiration created by a simple Christmas card. “It’s amazing how something so small can ignite such a grand idea,” said Gore, reflecting on the quilt’s embellished shades of blue, gold and black. After receiving a card of the Black Madonna from Bennett, Gore set it aside, hoping to one day revive the image.
Gore collaborated with her artist daughter Charlene to turn the Christmas card into fabric. “There was only a Christmas card to work with,” Gore explained, praising Charlie’s ability to enlarge the image and color the pieces. The creation process required a lot of attention, especially when outlining the design with black tape.
Despite the challenges, including the intricacies of portraying Madonna’s face, the final product emerged as a testament to their combined talents. Walsh admired the quilt, noting that its imperfect symmetry only added to its vibrancy and longevity.
Quilting has been a lifelong passion for Gore, who learned the art of quilting at a young age on her family’s farm. Her experience as a Home Economics major at Bennett honed her skills, leading her to inspire countless students as a teacher of family and consumer sciences. Through her Sew and Mix business, Gore continues to explore her creativity.
Strength Endurance and Grace
The quilt has deep personal significance for Gore, symbolizing his art and deep connection Bennett College. “I got married in the church,” he recalled, emphasizing the importance of the window in his life. She wanted to contribute to the college that shaped her journey, so she gave the quilt to Bennett. “It belongs here,” he said, emphasizing the qualities of strength, resilience and grace represented by the Black Madonna.
President Walsh echoed Gore’s sentiments, citing the quilt as a significant addition to Bennett’s Global Learning Center. “I only had a Christmas card to work with,” she said.
