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Toya R.B. Thomas

Quiltmaker

  Novi, Michigan, United States    

Great Lakes African American Quilters Network

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Toya R.B. Thomas, a fiber artist from Novi, Michigan began quilting in 2009. Her “one and done” quilt for the Oakland County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. turned into a passion.  Since then, she has retired from her full-time career as a Tax Manager and now has over 100 pieces to her credit. She has exhibited at shows and galleries in California, Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, and internationally in France.  She is a member of Great Lakes African American Quilters Network, EPIC Colorful Stitchers, National African American Quilt Guild, and Studio Art Quilters Association.  In addition to quilting, Toya also enjoys teaching various quilting techniques. While art quilting appeals to her, she loves the challenge of creating memory quilts from rescued articles of clothing.  The fusion of art and memory quilting into a unified tapestry that captures a story is what brings her a great sense of "Quiltitude!"

Ethnic background/tribal affiliation:

African American

Educational background:

College through Masters Degree

Religious affiliation:

Baptist

Occupation (if retired, former occupation):

Fiber Artist, Retired Tax Accountant

Where was the quiltmaker born?

Charleston, West Virginia (WV), United States

Where did the quiltmaker grow up?

Urban, Suburban

Quiltmaker's maiden name:

Toya Renee Booker

How did the quiltmaker learn to quilt?

From class, From guild or club member, Self-taught

When did the quiltmaker learn to quilt?

Age 50 or over

Why does/did the quiltmaker quilt:

Income, Pleasure

Name of quilting group(s):

Great Lakes African American Quilters' Network (charitable quiltmakers and education)
EPIC Colorful Stitchers (mentorship of other quilters)
National African American Quilt Guild

Estimate the number of quilts made by this maker:

more than 50

Does/did the quiltmaker sell quilts?

yes

What price was charged for the quilts and when were they sold?

various based on complexity of design, time, and materials

Does/did the quiltmaker teach quilting?

yes

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