Timeless treasure

October 14, 2020
Butterfly quilt by Gene Tomlin
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Sara Olegario (left), Sara Cooper and Cythia Henson (right) admire the beautiful butterfly quilt created by Gene Tomlin, a gifted 1944 graduate of Rusk High School whose works are on display this weekend at the Heritage Center of Cherokee County Museum, 208 S. Henderson St. in Rusk. Cooper is Tomlin's cousin, who loaned the embroidered quilt and various paintings for display.

The quilt “Field of Service” depicts the different Cherokee County churches where Tomlin served. It was gifted to a close friend, Alto resident Birda Parker, who subsequently passed away in 2018. Pictured with the unique piece are her husband Harold (left) and the couple's son Scott. More than a dozen people saw the Tomlin display during opening weekend, Oct. 10-11. Visitors can see Tomlin's works this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17-18, or by appointment, by contacting museum director Betty Marcontell at (903) 714-8685. Photos courtesy of Betty Marcontell