© 2025 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Quilt Artist Sonie Ruffin's Journey

Works in Sonie Ruffin's exhibition
Works in Sonie Ruffin's exhibition

When Sonie Ruffin was 4 years old her grandmother handed her a piece of fabric, needle and thread and told her to go sew something. Little did Ruffin know that her childhood sewing assignment would change the course of her life. By Delores Jones (edited by Linda Sher)

Kansas City, MO – Sonie Ruffin is known nationally for her quilt art. She uses African fabrics, bold colors, furniture, leaves and tear drops to teach people about history, community and survival. KC Currents host Delores Jones met up with Sonie Ruffin in January at the Vine Street Studio and walked alongside her as she shared the stories captured in her exhibition called Sonie Ruffin - Somo: The Journey.

Ruffin is offering a series of quilting workshops at UMKC's African American History and Culture House in July and August, 2006.

Read a recent review of Sonie Ruffin ? Somo: The Journey in The Kansas City Star.

No matter what happens in Washington D.C., Kansas City needs KCUR. And KCUR needs you.

Our ability to report local news — accurate, independent and paywall-free — depends on you. Donate now to support fact-based news.