MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - The National Center for the Study of Civil Rights and African-American Culture at Alabama State University present "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness: Out of Mnay, One", the Quilt Artistry of Tracie Lee Hawkins and Theresa McGhee Johnson.

“This exhibition celebrates the coming together of two distinguished female quilt makers,” said Cleve M. Webber, National Center curator. “Gender here is important, because quilt making was invented and developed by African women, and the tradition was continued by African-American women.”

Hawkins, the owner of T Lee Art & Design, an art gallery and studio located in the Village of Stone Mountain, Ga., has been sewing for more than 30 years and studying old world art for three years. She said her fiber art documents historical events that have significantly captivated the attention of the general public.

“I create stories and then depict them in quilted designs,” Hawkins said.

Alabama artists are invited to enter the 2012 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp art contest, which opens January 1, 2012. The winning artwork will be used as the design of the 2013-2014 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp, which is required to be purchased when hunting migratory waterfowl. Entries will be accepted from Jan. 1 - Feb. 15, 2012. The competition is open to resident Alabama artists only.
 
All eligible entries will be on display February 24, 2012, at the Richard Beard Building, 1445 Federal Dr., Montgomery, Ala., 36107. Following the showing, three judges from the fields of art, ornithology and wildlife conservation will select the winning waterfowl art.
 
“Like the federal waterfowl stamp, revenues from the sale of Alabama stamps are used to procure, establish or improve migratory waterfowl habitat,” said N. Gunter Guy, Jr., Conservation Commissioner.

The Cancer Wellness Foundation is once again sponsoring our Annual Books Are Fun Book Sale, at the Montgomery Cancer Center, 4145 Carmichael Road, 2nd Floor, Education Conference Room.

The fundraiser will take place Monday December 12th from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday December 13th from 7:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m.  Nowhere will you find a better value or variety of titles to please every type of reader, from kids to grandparents.  The sale also features a wide assortment of gift items.
 
Proceeds from the sale go to the Cancer Wellness Foundation, assisting Cancer patients in our area with expenses when they are either under- or un-insured. CWF staff help with medication, transportation, social services and nutritional needs.