Harriet Powers: A Pioneer of Southern Folk Art Harriet Powers (1837-1910) stands as a singular figure in American art history—specifically, within the realm of African American folk art and quilting. Born into slavery in rural northeast Georgia during a period defined by profound social upheaval, Powers defied expectations and achieved remarkable artistic renown through her unwavering dedication to preserving cultural traditions and expressing narratives rooted in faith and community experience. Her quilts are not merely decorative objects; they are tangible embodiments of history, spiritual…