Meet Celeste Butler

We were lucky to catch up with Celeste Butler recently and have shared our conversation below.

Celeste, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.

Persisting in the face of haters and naysayers has been a lesson I’ve learned through both art and life, starting in my childhood. Growing up in North Omaha, I was constantly surrounded by diversity. Through play in my neighborhood, I learned how to create with others, respect different perspectives, and navigate different cultures. That early experience taught me how to deal with all kinds of people, and it’s something I carry with me today in my art and my interactions.

As I developed my art practice, I also developed discernment—knowing when to separate myself from negativity or situations that no longer serve my journey. When I first started sharing my quilts publicly, some people criticized my work, saying it was “too artsy” or didn’t belong in traditional quilting spaces. I even faced rejection from a quilt group. It was painful, but I learned not to hold grudges. Instead, I assessed the situation, took the lesson, and moved forward. Often, those experiences taught me something valuable, even if the people involved weren’t meant to continue on my journey.

One thing I’ve come to realize is that the cost of carrying heavy baggage—resentment, anger, or trying to prove yourself to everyone—is just too high. You cannot complete your assignment if you’re weighed down by all of that. So, I’ve learned to let it go. I remind myself: You either carry the bag or you complete the work. You can’t do both. Sometimes you have to give the bag back, let others carry their own weight, and move on.

That doesn’t mean I forget the lessons. If my path crosses with those same people, I approach the situation professionally. I’m there to do business, keep it moving, and stay focused on my goals.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My work celebrates the voices and contributions of history, particularly those often erased or overlooked, and I see it as my responsibility to document and preserve these stories. Every stitch I make is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the undeniable impact of Black Americans on the fabric of this country—quite literally and metaphorically.

What I find most exciting about what I do is how deeply interconnected it is with every part of life. Being a Quiltologist is more than just creating art—it’s a full-circle lifestyle. It touches everything: health, spirituality, community building, storytelling, and even fabric dyeing and mixed media. It’s about self-care, love, and relationships, all woven together through my art practice. My work allows me to honor the past while creating space for conversations about healing and growth in the present.

There’s so much happening that I’m excited to share! My new website, celestebutlerart.com, is currently under construction and will soon become the home for my art, including custom wearable art pieces and more. This platform will allow people to connect with my work in new ways, and I can’t wait to share it when it’s ready.

I’m also honored to be part of the Omaha Public Library Artist Project as one of 16 selected artists and thrilled to announce my solo exhibit at the Union for Contemporary Art coming in J

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities or skills have been most impactful in my journey: respecting myself on multiple levels, being clear about what I wanted, and mastering my craft through practice. These have shaped me not only as an artist but also as a person.

First, respecting myself on multiple levels—emotionally, spiritually, and professionally—has been a game changer. It’s about knowing your worth and standing firm in it. Early on, I learned to discern who and what deserved access to my energy and my work. Not everyone in your space is meant to be there. Discernment is critical because not every connection is genuine or reciprocal. I encourage those just starting out to guard their creativity, their time, and their mental space. Trust is important, but it’s equally important to verify. Properly vetting people who want to collaborate with or support you is essential to building a solid foundation.

Second, I’ve always been clear about what I wanted. Even when resources were limited, I didn’t let that stop me. If you don’t have the finances or tools, sit down and develop your skills with what you do have. Practice relentlessly. When I first started showing my quilts publicly, I faced criticism for being “too artsy” or not fitting into traditional quilting spaces. It was hard, but instead of shrinking, I used it as motivation to stay true to myself. Being confident in your vision and willing to adapt and refine your techniques will take you further than trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Remember: you are the subject matter expert in what you do. No degree or outside validation can replace that.

Finally, stand firm. Just like a tree, people will test you to see how far you can bend. Stand firm. Challenges will come, whether they’re people questioning your work or situations trying to shake your confidence. I’ve been kicked out of spaces, had work destroyed, and had to start over. But through it all, I held onto my voice and my vision. For those early in their journey, I say this: don’t let anyone or anything push you out of alignment with your purpose. Trust yourself and know that your unique perspective is your power. Building a team can help you go further, but be cautious. Surround yourself with people who genuinely support and enhance your vision, not those who attach themselves for personal gain. As artists and creatives, we often lead with big hearts, but discernment is necessary at every level.

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

The people who have been most helpful on my journey are those who show up with consistency, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, and a genuine care for humanity. These pockets of people, whether they are part of my spiritual team, my assistants, or collaborators, have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and grow. Their unwavering support and positive energy have made all the difference.

For so many years, I was navigating this journey solo. When you don’t have someone to guide you, you often don’t know what you don’t know—and that can make things feel overwhelming. But as I’ve grown, I’ve been blessed to connect with people who shine a light on what’s possible and who help me see the positive even in difficult situations.

Their presence reminds me that success isn’t a solo endeavor, and it’s okay to lean on others who genuinely want to help. Surrounding yourself with the right people is invaluable. It’s not about having a big circle but about having the right circle—people who inspire and uplift you. Those are the ones who truly help you grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://celestebutlerart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quilterpreneur/

Image Credits

Celeste Butler