Thursday 29 May 2014

Hawberry Quilt Show 2014



The Invitation Project, The Quilt of Belonging, is coming to Manitoulin in September. The quilt, at 120 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, was coordinated by artist Esther Bryan. This is the largest collaborative work of textile to be created on a national scale and has 263 squares representing 71 aboriginal groups and 192 immigrant nationalities found in Canada. Different items were added to individual handmade blocks and include abalone shells, amber from Lithuania, bobbin lace, a brooch from Poland, smoked caribou hide, English wool, kente cloth from Ghana, porcupine quills, sealskin, 200-year-old German linen and worry dolls from Guatemala.
As Ms. Bryan says of the project, “Our vision was to create a collaborative work of art that will recognize Canada’s and the world’s diversity, celebrate our common humanity, and promote harmony and compassion among people.”


The Quilt of Belonging will be showcased, along with works done by the Island Quilters Guild members for their Hawberry Show, on September 13 from 10 am to 5 pm and September 14 from 11 to 4 at the Creation Centre in Manitowaning. From September 15 to the 17, the De-ba-jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group (http://www.debaj.ca) will welcome visitors to see this amazing quilt and will be open in the evening of September 16 so children will have an opportunity to attend. Any and all educators interested in visiting the quilt and participating in curricular programs delivered organized by the Quilt of Belonging representatives are asked to contact Melissa McIntosh by email at msmcdermid@hotmail.com and visit the Quilt of Belonging website for more information. http://www.quiltofbelonging.ca/