Harriet Powers's famous Bible Quilt was exhibited at the Athens Cotton Fair on October 5, 1886.
On October 5, 1886, Harriet Powers's "Bible Quilt" was displayed at the Athens Cotton Fair. This public exhibition marked a turning point in Powers's artistic recognition. The quilt caught the attention of Jennie Smith, an art teacher, who later purchased it. Powers's quilt depicted numerous Biblical stories through intricate fabric panels, intertwining African American folk art with Christian narratives. This display at a major fair highlighted the quilt's remarkable craftsmanship and brought Powers's work into regional prominence, establishing her as a significant folk artist in her community.