About Us

The Rocky Mountain Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild was formed in February 1994 by Helen Kearney.

The five African American women who came together were interested in perpetuating the heritage of quilting and promoting fellowship among those in quilting.

The Guild is committed to supporting and educating the community. To this end, the Guild offers exhibits, quilting classes, lectures and quilt documentation through its various programs during the year.

The name Wa Shonaji comes from the Swahili language and means literally – “people who sew”. The Guild’s name reflects both our region of the United States and our cultural heritage.

The members of RMWSQG, though predominantly of African-American ancestry, celebrate ethnic diversity in membership as well as in the many different patterns displayed in their quilts.

The Early Days

OUR PURPOSE

The objective of the Guild is to embody a viable, professional organization representing an interest in quilt making and other fiber arts primarily from an African-American perspective.

We both educate ourselves and share our knowledge in the art of quilt making and other fiber arts by promoting the theme “Each One Teach One”.

We seek to promote the work and accomplishments of our members and to preserve the tradition, culture and history of quilting.

We enjoy, rather than judge each other’s work.

2026 Officers:

President:

Joette Bailey-Keown

VP Programs:

Volunteer Needed

Assistant: Karen von Phul

VP Membership:

Reniese Johnson

Secretary:

Priscilla Brown

Assistant: Deborah Sweatt

Treasurer:

Connie Turner

Historian

Lynette Johnson

Assistant: Nonetta Pierre

Newsletter Editor:

Daryn Miller

Exhibits Coordinator:

Joanne Walton

Past President:

Geneva Lottie

2026 Committee Chairs:

Parliamentarian:

Nanci Vaughn

​Publicity:

Susan Morrison

Hospitality:

Kathy Byers

Sunshine/Shadows:

Reniese Johnson

Comfort Quilts:

Nanci Vaughn

Website:

Ann Worsencroft

Alan White

Retreat:

Karen von Phul

Beginner Class:

Cassandra Sewell

Rocky Mountain Wa Shonaji Quilt Guild
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