Marquetta is a native of Atlanta, Ga. who comes from four generations of family artisans - quilters, seamstresses, tailors, and embroiderers. They were foundational influences whose indelible imprints she would carry with her as she developed throughout her career.

In 1975, at 21 Marquetta learned to tie-dye from Tina Dunkley, a renowned textile & stained glass artist, now curator of Clark Atlanta University Gallery. A two year apprenticeship under Zenzele Dumsante, a South African surface design artist, taught her specifically about African textile designs. From their nurturing, she developed a style that was all her own including her own distinct way of applying the dyes. Masterfully, she began painting, sewing and embroidering symbols of African antiquities as well as visionary impressions of nature's splendor onto fabric exploding with color.

Many opportunities abounded for her to connect with those who would receive, appreciate, and delight in her talent and the prolific contribution she had to make. Her wall-hangings, pillows, and framed tapestries were placed in gallery and museum collections in San Antonio, New York, and Atlanta. They also became included in the private collections of Maya Angelou, Faith Ringgold, B. B. King, the late Maynard Jackson and many corporate collections throughout the country.

In 1989, Marquetta was shot. A random bullet transformed flesh, life - and spirit. She went down, but emerged as a T-7 paraplegic with a strength she says has taken her far beyond anything she had known before. "My career has really intensified since my injury - the unfortunate things that happened to me, God used them to motivate me to be extra productive, positive and helpful in other people's lives. And now it seems people have a special softening in their hearts for what I have to give and say."

During the times when she was closer to death than life, she made a promise to the Creator. If only He would allow her to live and continue to work, she would teach and give to children who really needed her - children in youth detention centers, alternative schools, community programs . . . She has not gone back on her word. From then, until today, a focal point of her career is in sharing her love for textiles and quilting techniques with children-at-risk. An evidence of her exceptional teaching ability is the riveting images produced by some of her students etched in full vigorous color on fabric as canvas - wallhangings on display at Atlanta Hartsfield Airport: Olympic Youth Art Project 1996 .

Marquetta gives and says in so many ways. Lectures, workshops, special classes - her work continues to multiply - abundantly, vibrantly, energetically. "Art gives me the vehicle to put into material form some of the ideals I try to live by and want to share with others, especially children. Not only children-at-risk, but any children whose young inquisitive minds are seeking after something positive and alive!

Marquetta also received the distinction of being selected as VSAarts Artsfellow for the 2004 International Art and Soul Festival representing Georgia in Washington D.C. in the Summer of 2004. In conjunction with this event, Marquetta completed 4 quilts in collaboration with Grady High School students, West End Academy Students, and Shepherd Center patients.