Artist Bisa Butler creates quilted portraits of African American life

Fiber artist Bisa Butler creates remarkable quilted portraits that tell stories of African American life, taking inspiration from historical photos and family history. Segment from the EAST episode, PBS premiere Dec 19, 2025. EAST explores the intersection of history, culture and contemporary craft in the eastern region of the US. As a nation of immigrants, these American stories, from a fabric flower factory to a silversmith to a potter and more, highlight the diverse expressions behind modern craft. The featured artists and institutions include M&S Schmalberg Custom Fabric Flowers, Bisa Butler, Colette Fu, Roberto Lugo, Ubaldo Vitali, Paul Revere House and Helena Hernmarck. For more info about Craft in America, visit www.craftinamerica.org. All Craft in America episodes are viewable on craftinamerica.org, the PBS iPhone/iPad app, and pbs.org/craft-in-america Craft in America’s mission is to promote and advance original handcrafted work through educational programs in all media. Support our exploration and celebration of the handmade. craftinamerica.org/page/donate