Thomasville Center for the Arts Launches 'My Side of the Story' Public Art Experience

Showcasing Southern quilting and makers during the Due South Music, Food, & Art Festival and Rose Show and Festival

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Thomasville Center for the Arts is launching a public art experience called 'My Side of the Story' in the spring of 2026. The experience will showcase Southern quilting and feature work from makers and artists across the region, providing them a platform to share their artistic talents. The project includes a narrative quilt competition and a community 'Airing of the Quilts' featuring quilt flags created by Thomasville residents and groups.

Why it matters

This project aims to promote and preserve the rich tradition of Southern quilting, highlighting the stories and histories behind the artworks. By showcasing the work of local makers and artists, the Center is providing a valuable platform for underrepresented voices and celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of the region.

The details

The 'My Side of the Story' experience will run from April 2 to June 2, 2026, with public art installations displayed throughout downtown Thomasville. The project includes a narrative quilt competition and a community 'Airing of the Quilts' featuring quilt flags created by Thomasville residents and groups. This week's column features quilts from the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, which houses a collection of over 4,669 African American artifacts.

  • The 'My Side of the Story' experience will launch in the spring of 2026.
  • The public art installations will be on display from April 2 to June 2, 2026.
  • The project will be featured during the Thomasville Center for the Arts' Due South Music, Food, & Art Festival and the 105th Rose Show and Festival.

The players

Thomasville Center for the Arts

A local arts organization that is launching the 'My Side of the Story' public art experience.

Jack Hadley Black History Museum

A museum established to educate individuals about the history and culture of African Americans locally and nationally, which has preserved over 4,669 pieces of African American artifacts, including the quilts featured in this story.

James 'Jack' Hadley

An African-American historian who has preserved the collection of artifacts at the Jack Hadley Black History Museum.

Ruby Studstill

The grandmother of former Thomasville Mayor David Lewis, who handmade the Studstill Family Quilt as a gift for Annie Grace Scott.

Earnest Castaloe 'E.C.' Williams

The Douglass High School football and basketball coach from 1942 until 1961, whose family quilts are part of the Hadley Collection.

Eula Davis 'E.D.' Williams

An educator for the Thomasville City School System for more than 30 years, whose family quilts are part of the Hadley Collection.

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What’s next

The Thomasville Center for the Arts will continue to promote and showcase the 'My Side of the Story' public art experience throughout the spring of 2026, including during the Due South Music, Food, & Art Festival and the 105th Rose Show and Festival.

The takeaway

By highlighting the rich tradition of Southern quilting and providing a platform for local makers and artists, the 'My Side of the Story' project celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of the Thomasville community and the broader region, preserving important histories and stories that might otherwise be overlooked.