Alabama A&M Art Gallery Features Spanish Professor's Solo Textile Exhibition

Spanish professor, Susana Vizcarra, is showcasing her solo exhibition, “Collections of Textiles,” at the AAMU Art Gallery in the R.D. Morrison Fine Arts Building, available for viewing through October 31. Originally from Uruguay, Vizcarra’s exhibit reflects her lifelong journey in textile arts, starting from her teenage years when she first learned embroidery in her home country.

“This early experience ignited my artistic inspiration,” explains Vizcarra. “Nearly 30 years ago, after moving to the U.S. with my family, I discovered quilting, merging my love for textiles with my background in embroidery.”

Over the years, Vizcarra has crafted a variety of quilts, from decorative wall hangings to functional baby quilts, each piece marking a significant step in her artistic evolution. In 2018, after the loss of her youngest son, Fernando, her work took a deeply personal turn.

“I transformed his clothing into a memorial quilt, an emotional process that shifted my approach,” she shares. “Since then, I’ve created nearly 15 ‘In Memoriam’ quilts dedicated to Fernando, incorporating applique, embroidery, and hand-dyed fabrics, each element chosen to honor his memory.”

Beyond the memorial series, Vizcarra has completed nearly 30 other quilts, including
garden-themed pieces inspired by her own backyard, and quilts featuring quotes, reflecting her passion for literature. Her work explores abstract designs, pushing artistic boundaries in the world of quilting.

“Quilting has become a source of solace and a means of self-expression, helping me navigate the complexities of grief and joy,” says Vizcarra. “What began as an early teenage inspiration has evolved into a profound and ever-growing body of work.”

Vizcarra holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies and an M.A. in Romance Languages, with a focus on Spanish and Portuguese, from Texas Tech University. She also earned an M.A. in English from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She has been a professor of Spanish at Alabama A&M University for the past five years.

There will be a closing reception for the exhibit on Tuesday, October 29 at 12:30 p.m. in the gallery.