Retreats to Continue:
COORDINATOR FOUND!

Some good news...We are thrilled to introduce Penny Wilken as the new retreats coordinator! We are in the process of sharing information, logins, accounts and registration page access with Penny, so stay tuned to receive information from her!
Retreat Location
Eagle Ridge Conference Center
1500 Raymond Lake Road
Raymond, Mississippi 39154
​601-857-7100

Future dates continue for Quilting Retreats in September 2024
November 2024 and
​March 2025 with more to come!

WE WILL BE UPDATING THESE PAGES
​AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/GeesBendQuiltingRetreats​ 
Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats Alumni Community
on Facebook
www.facebook.com/groups/372103536797516 
Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats on Instagram
www.instagram.com/geesbendquiltingretreats/
Let's stay in touch!
Email us with questions. Follow us on Instagram.
​Like us on Facebook. ​
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.

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 his or her 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.

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.

​Come ready to learn, to be stimulated, to explore and to create! All experience and skill levels are welcomed.
Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats
a fund at the Community Foundation for Mississippi

Participant's Comments

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 fabric 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!

Rates

Retreat Rates
 $1,465 Double occupancy, per person
 $1,595 Single occupancy, per person
 $275 non-participating guest rate includes lodging only
Registration includes all programing, lodging and meals.

Round-Trip Airport Shuttle 
We offer a round-trip airport shuttle service from the Jackson Medgar-Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) in Jackson, MIssissippi which is a 30 minute drive. The shuttle is $135 round-trip. 

Sewing Machine Rental
A limited number of sewing machines are available for rent for the weekend for $100. Machine rental includes a 24" x 36" cutting mat, two rulers, a rotary cutter, and two pairs of scissors for your use while attending the retreat. 
​
Deposit
$485 per person
Nonrefundable. Nontransferable. Deposit deducted from total fee.
Two additional invoices will be sent for the remaining balance
$490 Two additional invoices for Double occupancy
$555 Two additional invoices for Single occupancy 

Check-in / Check-out times
Check-in 1:00-6:00 on Wednesday. Dinner is served at 6:00. 
Departure after breakfast on Sunday. If taking the shuttle, the Sunday morning schedule will be emailed to you. All participants depart Sunday after 8:00 breakfast.

Stitching Souls

BBC Radio Documentary of Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats
Listen Here
BBC Radio Documentary of Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats
Enjoy this beautiful video from The New York Times - November 13, 2019.
Picture
Enjoy an introduction to Mary Ann and China in this video.
Enjoy this outstanding video from Timeline - May 10, 2017.
2
Retreat Schedule

Wednesday 
Arrival and check in 12:00-6:00
Welcome buffet of food/drinks 2:00
Dinner 6:00
7:00 China and Mary Ann will share the story of the Gee's Bend Quilting Collective, its 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

Sunday
8:00 Breakfast
All departure after breakfast
Picture
Three generations quilting together. Grandmother, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter with great grand child on the way!
Gee's Bend Quilting Retreats 
a fund at the
Community Foundation for Mississippi
Quilting Retreat with