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Cathy Mooney has always loved quilting. The skill was passed down to the Gee’s Bend native from her mother and grandmother.

“I just like carrying a legacy on,” Mooney said. “It was something that I was raised on, and it’s just a traditional legacy that I just wanna keep going. You know, I just wanted to keep going. I just wanted to keep going because I love it.”

That legacy is on full display in Selma through the end of July at Gallery 905 as Mooney has an exhibition of quilts. The venue held an opening reception for Mooney on Thursday night at Gallery 905.

One thing that’s different about this exhibit over others is that Mooney encourages people to touch and feel her work.

“I was just so excited to bring my stuff here so people can come in and get a feel and see some of the quilts,” Mooney said. “And not just see them, but actually feel and touch the quilts because the quilts are to be used. You can use these quilts. They are beautiful and lots of people really don’t wanna touch them, but that’s what they are for. They are to be used, but a lot of people will frame them and hang them up in the house.”

Her exhibit features a number of different styles of quilts. One of the quilts on display is a recreation of the design that her grandmother made which was featured on a U.S. stamp back in 2006.

One is a patchwork quilt that features patches left over from clothes worn by her late mother, who passed away in 2023.

“Every time I look at this quilt, I think about my mama,” Mooney said. “She passed away in 2023, but I can see her walking through the house when I look at this quilt.”

The display is available for public viewing and sale at Gallery 905.