The National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellowships recognize individual artists for their artistic excellence and support continuing contributions to our nation's traditional arts heritage. The small community of African American women in Gee's Bend, Alabama, is home to some of the most highly regarded quilt makers in America. These include Mary Lee Bendolph, Lucy Mingo, and Loretta Pettway, three of the chief quilters from the oldest living generation of artists who represent this profound cultural legacy. Described by the New York Times as "some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced," the quilts are known for their improvisational and inventive quality. In 2015, the N.E.A. presented these three brilliant artists this great honor as National Heritage Fellowship award winners.