Francesca Charley

Francesca Charley is a vibrant force in the quilting world, proudly representing the rich heritage of the Gee’s Bend community as a fifth-generation quilter. Her journey began at 10 years old, spending summers crafting quilts alongside her grandmother, Tinnie Dell Pettway; her aunt, Minnie Mae Pettway; and her mother, Claudia Pettway Charley; and developing a lifelong passion for this intricate art form.

A graduate of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Francesca holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with a minor in theater. She’s furthering her education with a scholarship from the Los Angeles Performing Arts Conservatory. For the past five years, she has also volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tuscaloosa and managed her Etsy shop (Gee’s Bend Way), blending her academic background with her artistic pursuits. She’s a shared owner of a commercial cleaning company called Jani King. She has collaborated with esteemed organizations and museums—including the Birmingham Museum of Art, Kentuck Art Center, and Alabama Folklife Association—where she passionately teaches quilting workshops to enthusiasts of all ages.

Francesca’s stunning creations have garnered national attention, featured in publications such as AFAR and showcased in high-profile collaborations with brands like Target, Marfa Stance, Greg Lauren, and Adidas. Known for her love of small pieces and cotton fabrics, she crafts bold, beautiful Gee’s Bend quilts and potholders while honoring her ancestors’ traditional techniques.

Through her work, Francesca not only preserves the legacy of Gee’s Bend quilting but also inspires a new generation of artists and enthusiasts, keeping the art form alive and thriving.

Francesca Charley is a 2026 Maker nominee for SoulGrown’s Soul of the South Awards.