A Legacy Woven in Cotton: The Life and Art of Helen McCloud Helen McCloud, born in 1938 in the heart of Alabama, is a name synonymous with the vibrant quilting tradition of Gee’s Bend. More than simply a craftsperson, McCloud embodies a lineage of artistic expression passed down through generations of African American women in this isolated community. Her story isn't one of formal training or art-world ambition, but rather a deeply rooted connection to heritage, necessity, and an innate creative spirit. McCloud married into the Gee’s Bend community, becoming intrinsically linked to its uniq…