Marla A. Jackson, is a self-taught fiber artist, painter, doll maker, indigo dyer, shibori dyer, portrait artist, seamstress, and now an author. She is a world-renowned visual narrative artist and quilter, and community-based visual art educator. Her works have been exhibited in more than 35 national and international venues, including The American Folk Art Museum and The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, and Culture. One of her most famous works is part of the permanent collection at The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum.
In 2018, Jackson received the “Anyone Can Fly” Annual Lifetime Achievement Award, given by Faith Ringgold. She was also nominated for the Martin Luther King, Jr. “Dream One” award by the Lawrence, Kansas, School District. Jackson’s narrative quilts are inspired by the oral histories of her ancestors and the Kansas region. Jackson is partners with The Freedom’s Frontier’s National Heritage Area. She has been featured in:
The Kansas Historical Society Quarterly Threads of Faith MS Magazine Speaking Out of Turn Magazine Wild West Magazine the Quilt Life Magazine PBS programs local, and regionally syndicated press exhibition catalogs
Her company, Marla Quilts Inc. African American Quilt Museum and Textile Academy, is an impetus for developing artistic skills, enhancing individual and communal expression, and furthering intellectual awareness. In 2016, Jackson was awarded a Phoenix Award from the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission.
© 2022 Marla Arna Jackson – All rights reserved.