What to bring?
Sewing machine, basic sewing supplies, fabric (some will be provided), a lamp for your sewing table will be helpful in the evenings, rotary cutter, blades and cutting surface, mini iron and ironing mat for your sewing table - we will have multiple ironing stations located around the room for everyone to use, individual lamp for your sewing table, extension cords, serge protector, favorite chair if you have one you're partial to, quilts and projects for show and tell, books for Mary Ann and China to sign, creature comforts for your room in the inn, a light jacket in the event the room becomes chilly. We also recommend that you bring a small flashlight or plan to use the one on your phone for walking between buildings after dark.

Mary Ann and China will bring pieces of their work and the work of others from the collective that are available for sale. If you find yourself interested in purchasing any of these pieces you may do so. Payment method to them will be by cash or a check.

Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats

Gray Center
1530 Way Road, Canton MS
contact retreat coordinator Anne Robertson with questions
awr.robertson@gmail.com        601-317-1875
Online Registration Options
October 30 - November 3, 2019
March 4 - 8, 2020
June 17 - 21, 2020
August 16 - 20, 2020 
Let's stay in touch!
Email us with questions. Follow us on Instagram. Like us on Facebook. ​
Gray Center invites you to join us for a quilting retreat with China Pettway and Mary Ann Pettway of the Gee's Bend Quilting Collective. China and Mary Ann will share their unique quilting styles as participants explore the work of their hands and the spirituality of quilting.

It's most likely you will want to piece your quilt top on a sewing machine but some participants may prefer to hand piece and hand quilt. It's reasonable to anticipate completing some quilt squares or a quilt top. You may even find that you have time to begin quilting. Everyone will be invited to work at their own pace. No previous quilting experience is necessary.

How is the weekend structured? What will we be working on? What do we need to bring? How can we best prepare for the retreat? All great questions!

This retreat offers an open ended, unstructured approach to quilting. Rather than focus on one project for the entire group, everyone will work independently on their own project. Your instructional time with China and Mary Ann will be one-on-one as they guide you in creating your project. You will also have time to sit in their work space and learn by observing first hand the techniques that they prefer.

Come ready to learn, to be stimulated, to explore and to create! All experience and skill levels are welcomed.
Enjoy an introduction to Mary Ann and China in this video.
Enjoy this beautiful video from The New York Times - November 13, 2019.
Picture
Enjoy this outstanding video from Timeline - May 10, 2017.
Participants report the most meaningful aspects of the retreat are:
  • There was a clear sense that we were being tended to and cared for. Thank you!
  • The ease of learning to quilt from all participants and from Mary Ann and China.
  • The time spent with remarkable women, fellowship, generosity of spirit. China, Mary Ann quietly encouraged and informed all. The rampage bins where all found unique inspiration from same resources was a fascinating metaphor.
  • The massages were a wonderful gift.
  • Seeing new people light up to quilting and enjoying the community of these gifted women.
  • China and Mary Ann - loved the guidance and the singing. The fellowship with everyone was so good!
  • ​The diversity of the participants; the lack of pressure imposed by anyone except one's self; the encouragement and freedom of expression.
  • As we were saying goodbye, a participant looked me in the eye and said, " I want you to know this has been the most wonderful four days of my life."
  • The beautiful location and excellent staff.
  • The prayers and singing set the atmosphere.
  • ​Love, togetherness, joy and devotion to each other.
  • Love pouring out of the hearts and souls of strangers who inspired, encouraged, helped, offered advice, cared, made me feel included. I knew I would have a wonderful time but my heart is swelling with joy and appreciation. 
  • Meeting other quilters, friendly, helpful, loving, sharing. What a delight.
  • The encouraging artistic process.
  • ​Everything about this weekend!
Retreat Rates
$615.00 Double occupancy
$675.00 Single occupancy
Includes program, lodging and meals.
Round-Trip Airport Shuttle 
If you will be needing airport shuttle services you will forward your flight information to retreat coordinator, Anne Robertson for coordination. Once the shuttle scheduled has been Anne will be in touch with details and payment information.  the 45 minute shuttle between the airport and Gray Center is $125 round-trip. 
Sewing Machine Rental
Gray Center has sewing machines available for your use. Machines are available for rent for the weekend for $50. Machine rental includes a cutting mat, a rotary cutter, and a pair of scissors for your use while attending the retreat.
Deposit
$150 per person
Nonrefundable. Nontransferable. Deposit deducted from total fee.
Balance due dates
Final payment is due no later than two months prior to your retreat.
To register after these dates, please pay full amount.

Check-in / Check-0ut times
Check-in 4:00-6:00 Wednesday
Check-out after breakfast on Sunday

Food at Gray Center
During your time at Gray Center you will enjoy dining at the table of Executive Chef Justin Moore. Chef Moore's food is fresh, local, beautiful, and most importantly it is delicious.   
Dining at Gray Center
We are pleased to welcome you to a delicious dining experience. Here's what participants from previous retreats have to say about Chef Moore's work.

Chef Moore is an artist. •• Amazing food! Fresh, well prepared, filling and keeps us energized •• Fresh, locally sourced, beautiful, flavorful! •• I have been to many retreats and this is the best. Farm to table. Chef was very accommodating to all our needs. •• Food was THE BEST. Loved the variety and new food groups to me. •• It was A-MAZE-ING!! - Really excellent job by the chef! Everything was so fresh and healthy. •• The food was exceptional and a surprise to me. Very healthy and beautifully prepared. •• This food was perfect. I am used to retreats where the food is good, but very heavy. I felt that the food was a part of the artistic process of the retreat. It was fresh, healthy and well prepared. I would come back to Gray Center for a retreat with a different group just for the food. •• The food exceeded my expectations!

Breakfast is served at 8:00, Lunch at 12:00 and Dinner at 6:00. Morning and afternoon snacks will be delivered to the sewing studio daily. Enjoy.
Online Registration Options 
August 18 - 22, 2019 
October 30 - November 3, 2019 
March 4 - 8, 2020 
June 17 - 21, 2020
August 16 - 20, 2020

Retreat Schedule

Wednesday 
Arrival and check in 4:00-6:00
Dinner 6:00
7:00 China and Mary Ann will share the story of the Gee's Bend Quilting Collective, it's history and their part of this amazing group of artists.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday
8:00 Breakfast
9:00-12:00
Quilting with China and Mary Ann
12:00 Lunch
2:00-5:00
Quilting with China and Mary Ann
6:00 Dinner
​7:00 Closing session with China and Mary Ann

Sunday
8:00 Breakfast
Departure after breakfast
Picture
Three generations quilting together. Grandmother, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter with great grand child on the way!
Directions to Gray Center
1530 Way Road
​Canton, MS 39046
Phone: 601-859-1556
Fax: 601-8591495