COVID Loss Quilt Project
In early 2021, I saw a request for artists in Portland, OR to create an art-focused event to help the residents of the city process their unexpressed grief and loss as a result of the pandemic. It immediately made think about how a quilt has the potential for honoring the dead, holding space for memory, and comforting those who are hurting from their loss.
I wanted to participate, but I just didn’t know how making a quilt could be condensed down into a single event. The opportunity did get me thinking about the concepts above. Truthfully, I haven’t stopped thinking about these things since, hence why I’m moving forward with this project.
With the financial support of the Regional Arts & Culture Council, I have the resources and support I need to set this project in motion. My deepest gratitude to RACC for making this community quilt project a possibility.
I want to create a quilt made of fabric contributed by many different people, each piece holding a special place for someone’s loss and grief.
Participation Elements
Think about a loss you’ve experienced either directly or indirectly to COVID… it could be a person, a home, a job, a special event, an identity, a milestone, or even just a feeling.
Once you’ve decided, look in your belongings until you find a piece of fabric that reminds you of or represents this person, place, or thing that you’ve lost.
Do some reflective writing about the fabric you’ve chosen and how it relates to the loss you’ve experienced and want to honor through your participation in this project.
Submit your fabric and writing to me by Sunday, March 20, 2022.
To participate,
Submit your reflective writing through this google form, found here.
Once the form is submitted, I will give mailing/pick up options for your fabric.
If you have questions about anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! I am here to help.
IG: @quilt_milk
grace.bigler@gmail.com
