Hello ... I'm TaMara Howard
Inspired by the many colorful stories I had heard about my great-grandmother, Maggie V. Folk McClellan (1879-1967), I was called to follow in her footsteps by pursuing what I considered the craft of quilting. Without a sewing machine, I began studying patchwork techniques, color theory, quilt layout, and design in 1996.
Since then, my love for quilting has evolved into a deep and genuine passion for the art form. I specialize in intricate geometric patterns and custom motifs, fusing African and American traditions with innovation to create visually stunning quilts that are both beautiful and functional. Through the art of longarm quilting, I add depth and texture to my quilts, pushing the boundaries of traditional quilting.
In addition to my artistic pursuits, I am deeply committed to sharing my expertise through engaging lectures, enriching classes, and immersive workshops. Witnessing the growth and development of my students on their quilting journeys brings me immense fulfillment, mirroring my evolution in this fine craft.
Furthermore, quilting serves as a poignant avenue for me to honor my great-grandmother's legacy as I kente weave the threads of past and present into the stitches of my quilts. This tribute to the artistry and creativity embedded in my family's history forms a tapestry of heritage and tradition that will resonate with future generations. #knowyourfolk
Exhibitions, Group
Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza, Oaks, PA, September 2024
The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, Madison, WI, September 2023
Three Rivers Quilt Show, Washington, PA, April 2023
Quiltcon, MQG Quilt of the Month, Atlanta, GA, February 2023
Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza, Oaks, PA, September 2021
Three Rivers Quilt Show, Washington, PA, April 2018
Pennsylvania National Quilt Extravaganza, Oaks, PA, September 2017
Three Rivers Quilt Show, Washington, PA, April 2017
Exhibitions, Curated
String Pieced (Youth) Quilt Exhibition, International Association of Blacks in Dance and Hill Dance Academy Theatre Summer Soirée, Pittsburgh, PA, June 2024
Awards
Afa, Honorable Mention Modern Category, Three Rivers Quilters Quilt Show, April 2023
Eclipse, Second Place Modern Category, Three Rivers Quilt Show, April 2018
Eclipse II, First Place Modern Category, Three Rivers Quilt Show, April 2017
A Tree of Life, In Loving Memory of Mary B. McClellan Shorter, Second Place Large Pieced Category, Three Rivers Quilt Show, April 2017
Press and Publications
Hill Dance Academy Theatre & Bridgeway Captial, Vimeo, Bridgeway Capital, June 2024
Kente Quilts: My Journey, YouTube, University Place, PBS Wisconsin, September 2023
Black Cotton (Part 3): Our Future, Curated Quilts, Issue 22 Paper Pieced, January 2023, p. 70-75
Black Cotton (Part 2): How We Farm, Curated Quilts, Issue 21 Negative Space, October 2022, p. 38-43
Black Cotton (Part 1): Why We Farm, Curated Quilts, Issue 20 Utility, July 2022, p. 38-43
Apremoo Quilt Pattern, MQG Journal, Issue 6, April 2022
Pentagonal Pinwheel (Mini Quilt Challenge), Curated Quilts, Issue 17 Polygons, October 2021
Quilts That Have Earned Their Stripes: Stripes Gallery Review, Curated Quilts, Brittany Bowen Burton, October 26, 2021
Eclipse II (Gallery Contributor), Curated Quilts, Issue 16 Stripes, July 2021
Costumes
Ju.B.Lation Spirit Filled Feet, choreographed by Bria Goldsmith, Hill Dance Academy Theatre's 10th Annual Spring Dance Concert, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, April 2024
Crossings, presented by the Hill Dance Academy Theatre and Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, May 2022
Classes, Lectures, and Workshops
REGISTER NOW - African Batik Workshop featuring Saihou Njie, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm at the Morgan-Lee Arts Centre, 2900 Bedford Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
Freedom Quilt Class, Adult, Beginner, 6 sessions, June 2024 (SOLD OUT)
String Piecing Quilt Class, Youth, Beginner, 6 sessions, February 2024 (SOLD OUT)
Sister's Choice Quilt Class, Hand Quilting, Adult, Beginner, 3 sessions, January 2024 (SOLD OUT)
Kente Quilts: My Journey II, The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, September 2023
The Pierians' Quilt Block Workshop, Pittsburgh (PA) Chapter of The Pierians Inc., November 2023
Kente Quilts: My Journey, The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show, September 2022
The Art of African American Quilting, Hill Dance Academy Theatre's Kwanza Celebration, December 2020
Affiliations
Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA), Member, 2024 - present
Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh (PA), Member, 2023 - present
Longarm League, Member, 2023 - present
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee, MQG, Member, 2019 - present
Pittsburgh (PA) Chapter of the Modern Quilt Guild (MQG), Member, 2011- present
Education
University of Pittsburgh, Katz Graduate School of Business, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, Bachelor of Science (BS), Industrial Engineering