Dorothy C. Straughter was introduced to quilting in November of 2014 by a dear neighbor who showed her Underground Railroad quilt. She then embarked on a historical journey that is woven through numerous diasporal works which include the Underground Railroad, Great Migration and Negrobilia quilts. 

A foundation of skills as an occupational therapist. She completed research projects which included assessment of line, color and form as it relates to the learning process and developed strategies of instruction to support the specialized population. Classes she taught in neuroscience, disease processes and research at Chicago State University crafted knowledge of human form and function. 

Mrs. Straughter’s continuous research beginning at the Stony Island Arts Bank and the world at large equipped her with historical perspectives that are difficult to find in other venues. Mrs. Straughter’s quilts have been featured at the Art Institute of Chicago, Beverly Arts Center, Beverly Art Walk, (Beverly Arts Alliance), Dank Haus, Hyde Park Art Center, Museum of Science and Industry, private home viewings, the, Open House Chicago, Woman Made Gallery, Zhou B. Gallery, The Beverly Review, DNA Info, The Patch, Quilt Arts Magazine, Villager, Voyager, WVON radio AM1690 amongst others and one is now on permanent display at the Adler Planetarium. Dorothy’s multifaceted quilt architect evolution continues to sketch itself through the fabric of time. The following is an app map to her presentations:  Thank You Beth Shadur, Bob and Marty Christopher: Christopher Art Gallery and Prairie State University for the opportunity.