Two chances to see author

Quilt of Souls author Phyllis Biffle Elmore will make two appearances in North Alabama, the first at Wallace State Community College on Thursday, April 6, and the second in Arley on May 23.

Biffle's bio states that she is "is a retired veteran of the United States Air Force and United States Army whose civilian career has included working as a counselor for incarcerated youth, survivors of domestic violence, and people suffering from alcohol and substance abuse. She has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County and a master’s certificate in creative writing from the University of Denver."

According to her website, "At the age of four, she was sent to the tiny town of Livingston, Alabama, to be raised by her grandmother Lula Horn (1883-1988), who made beautiful quilts out of the clothing of her loved ones. Each strip of fabric tells the story of the wearer’s life and death. She shared these mostly tragic, sometimes witty, but always moving tales with little Phyllis as she sewed their clothes into a quilt (. . .). Phyllis now shares these profound stories with the world."

Wallace State's April 6 public event featuring Elmore in the James C. Bailey Center auditorium starts at 11 a.m. Elmore will speak about her book, a memoir documenting her experience growing up in Alabama as a Black woman. In conjunction with Elmore’s appearance, the Heartland Quilt Guild will display its quilts, including a Quilts of Valor exhibit, from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the same area.

The Arley Women's Club and Arley Library will host Elmore on May 23 at Meek Baptist Church in Arley. After her 6:30 p.m. presentation, Elmore will sign books.