Her exhibition The Quilts of Gee's Bend, a collection of quilts by outstanding quilters from Alabama, broke attendance records at major museums across the 11 cities to which it traveled[2] and was one of the most talked-about museum shows of 2002 in America and beyond.
She has presented exhibitions that added to the American art canon the work of major, previously undercelebrated African-American artists, in particular John Biggers, Thornton Dial and Kermit Oliver.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, she grew up and lives in Third Ward, Houston, Texas.
[8] Wardlaw has historicized John Biggers' art philosophy, based in large part on his travels to Africa and his celebration of the African-American community, his legacy and impact on student artists who studied with him, and his impact upon the modern art world.
[10] She has mentored countless students of color to pursue careers in the museum field, ranging from curatorial to conservation positions.