The Origins and Rise of Candlewick Tufting in Northwest Georgia

Name: The Origins and Rise of Candlewick Tufting in Northwest Georgia
Start: 2025-04-17T19:00:00-04:00
Location: Creative Arts Guild

Schedule

Thu, 17 Apr, 2025 at 07:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Creative Arts Guild | Dalton, GA

Presented by Matthew Gramling and Lee Anne Cline, “The Origins and Rise of Candlewick Tufting in Northwest Georgia” gives audiences the opportunity to learn about the the embroidery technique known as candlewick tufting, which a young Catherine Evans Whitener reinvented and popularized through the creation of tufted bedspreads. Gramling and Cline will discuss and display the skills Whitener employed in creating her bedspreads, and which launched the tufted textile industry in Northwest Georgia--bringing wealth and fame to Dalton and beyond.
Matthew Gramling has served as the Director of the Bandy Heritage Center for Northwest Georgia and as the B.J. and Dicksie Bandy Chair in American History at Dalton State College since September 2024. A Northwest Georgia native, Gramling has a natural passion for the material and cultural history which makes Northwest Georgia so unique as a region. With a background in Southern decorative arts, he has a keen interest in researching and sharing the unique textile history of the region.
Lee Ann Cline is Cataloging & Technical Services Librarian and Librarian of College Archives and Special Collections at Derrell C. Roberts Library of Dalton State College. As a Whitefield County native with a love for local history, Cline has deep roots in the crafting and maker traditions of the region. She has almost three decades of experience providing instruction as a library professional and Troop Leader and Trainer with the Girl Scouts. She has taught many crafts and skills to learners from across multiple age groups. Cline has a passion for many arts and crafts, especially papercrafts and needlework. She is always open to learning new "old" skills and sharing with those around her.