STORIES SHARED THROUGH THE QUILT PROJECT
Canada (Toronto)
The quilt square from CSAC which uses the Creative Spirit Art Centre logo.The image is called
a “Blotterfly”. It is a combination of the type of Rorschach ink blot test images which were
created by Swiss psychologist Hermann Rorschach and the image of a butterfly. The ink blot
image refers to the playfulness of imagining abstract images by folding ink or paint splotches to
make a symmetrical design. The butterfly is a symbol of the soul or the spirit and freedom in
many cultures. Only after the image was designed; I read that in 1946, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
visited Holocaust sites including the children’s barracks in the Maidenek concentration camp.
She saw the walls were covered with hundreds of images of butterflies. She spent many years
trying to understand the symbol of the butterflies.
Butterflies are a result of the process of metamorphosis. Making art is also a process of
metamorphosis. The artist takes art supplies and through their imagination and work produces a
work of art where an image forms and takes flight into the lives of other people, by becoming
visible.
Maruja, embroidered the square. She is a member of a family which fled Peru because their lives
were under a death threat at the time. Making art allows Maruja to express her inner feelings and
provides a way to make beautiful images. Maruja has made art all of her life, she made art in
Peru and she continues to make art in Canada. Art allows her spirit and the creative spirit of all
the artists at the Creative Spirit Art Centre to take flight.
Columbia
En la Granja Fedar un espacio donde se dan cita un montón de niños, niñas, jóvenes y adultos con el
firme propósito de desarrollar sus habilidades y destrezas, para vencer los diagnósticos y pronósticos y
poder construir proyectos de vida dignos, que permitan alcanzar la autonomía y la libertad y la felicidad,
llego la noticia de una colcha gigante que arroparía los sueños de quienes por muchos años hemos
creído en las artes como el vehículo que nos permite disfrutar de mejores presentes y soñar con mejores
mañanas. Un montón de manos se dieron a la tarea de tejer una pequeña parte de esa gran colcha,
muchas ideas fueron naciendo, entre ellas la de hacer un homenaje a los pueblos indígenas de nuestra
región, quienes desde hace unos años reconocen que han invisibilizado a la población en situación de
discapacidad y que hay que trabajar duro, para que desde la cosmovisión MISAK ellos y ellas también
cuenten. Nuestra colcha habla de diversidad, habla de tierra y arte como elementos fundamentales en
los procesos da habilitación / rehabilitación funcional, habla de una organización VSAI que se convierte
en nuestro faro en el andar. Nuestra colcha habla de unión de muchas manos, pero ante todo, habla de
gratitud una inmensa gratitud hacia quienes han entregado toda una vida por la defensa de los derechos
de todos y todas.
Cyprus
The quilt square submitted by VSA Cyprus for the Art in Embassies Programme is a
“fythkiotiko” type of weave, meaning it originates from the village of Fyti in the district of
Paphos.
Geometric patterns similar to motifs used in Fyti weaving were used in ancient times, as can be
seen from the pottery of the Geometric Period (1050 – 750 BC). However, the craft of weaving
in Cyprus was predominantly developed during the Middle Ages, in particular during Byzantine
times (330 – 1191 AD) and the Lusignan (1192 – 1489 AD) and Venetian (1489 – 1571 AD)
dynasties.
The main features of the Fyti type of weaving are the colourful, geometric texture designs or
“ploumia”, as they are called, which are made on natural coloured cotton cloth. The “ploumia”
are weaved by using thick coloured threads or “phytilia”, which are placed by the weaver among
the wrap threads.
Today, “fythkiotiko” type weaving is produced on a limited scale in the Paphos area, mainly in
the village of its origin. However, with the aim of revitalizing traditional folk art and developing
it into a contemporary context, the Cyprus Handicraft Centre of the Ministry of Commerce,
Industry and Tourism operates workshops for the production of Cypriot handicrafts, including
the “fythkiotiko”.
In the same way that the quilt square submitted by Cyprus symbolises a joining of ancient and
modern art, VSA Cyprus trusts that, as part of the quilt, it will also contribute to cultural
exchange and solidarity between and within nations, regardless of local, regional or personal
differences.
Delaware
The VSA Delaware (VSADE) quilt was created by various VSADE staff. We initially discussed
several themes for the square, but nothing seemed to represent the uniqueness of Delaware as
well as VSADE programs. Then, one of our residency artists suggested that VSADE programs
were a "journey of discovery”. So, from “journey” we got the image of a pathway. VSADE's
square depicts a pathway over beach dunes to the ocean. We felt the beach/dunes/ocean shared
something unique about the Delaware environment, while also allowing us to use the pathway
metaphor to represent the “journey of discovery” that occurs through participation in the
arts. The square has a great deal of embroidery detail so as to provide a tactile component to the
design.
Florida
The students and I talked about what images embodied Florida. Our first thoughts were the
Florida sunshine, then the ocean and the fish in our sea. Those three became our theme. We
added patterns to our fish, created waves and painted suns on fabric. All the elements were cut
out and re-collaged. The final square was finished from pieces of each artist, ironing on our logo
in the center of the sun. Student artists are from a multigenerational, mixed ability VSA Florida
community art class in Land O’Lakes, Florida.
France
François-Xavier TAVY-SACLEY
Born November 14th 1986 in Ivry sur Seine
François-Xavier is present in Personimages’ ateliers since 2008. At the beginning, he didn’t communicate
at all. Little by little, we realized that he felt comfortable, and now this big athlete who lives with his
parents, always appears in the visual arts atelier with a huge smile and his hand held out to say hello.
Then, he’ll settle down and express himself through art.
After imagining original works, he now finds enormous pleasure being inspired by the works of great
artists, often quite difficult, because he isn’t afraid of the complexity! After having designed his work in a
very structured way with precise graphics, he introduces color in an open way mixing various techniques
such as gouache, ink and dry or oil pastels. His open-mindedness and his desire to always know more
about visual arts give to his work a personal character.
In 2013, he was selected for the exhibition of naive art « Absolument excentrique » (Absolutely eccentric)
in the Paris Town Hall. One of his works caught the attention of the Italian fashion house MARNI who use
it on their fabrics for bags and dresses.
During the important retrospective exhibition Marcel Duchamp in the Pompidou Center in November
2014, François-Xavier had noticed on a poster in the Paris subway announcing this exhibition an
interpretation of this artist of the Mona Lisa by Leonardo de Vinci shown in the Louvre. François-Xavier
chose the theme of the «Mona Lisa » to evoke France and thus replying to VSA’s request.
Georgia
Marquetta Johnson- Quilt Block creator
As I contemplated the creation of a quilt block to represent our affiliate here in Georgia, I
thought about iconic symbols of the state of Georgia. I also thought about our affiliate and what
iconic symbol could represent the energy and culture of our organization. All of a sudden, I
thought about using the “Peach” on my block to represent our state. I choose to hand paint it to
add a unique visual texture that reminds the viewer of peach fuzz.
A peach is a wonderful fruit that offers a juicy, sweet eating experience that is nutritious and
pleasing to the palate. VSA arts of Georgia offers our community rich, diverse programming that
is meaningful and shared with compassion. It is sweet like a peach and good for all.
I wanted to use the peach because it speaks to the idea of Southern Hospitality- being sweet and
wholesome. It is a common ingredient of many southern desserts like Peach Hand Churned Ice
Cream, Peach Pie and Peach Tea. Our affiliate strives to uphold ideals that speak to individuals,
families and community. A Peach is a common fruit with an uncommon taste just like our VSA
arts of Georgia affiliate is made up of regular people with an extraordinary commitment to
service. We are a “peach” of an organization.
Idaho
Our quilt square was designed by one of Idaho Parents Unlimited's founding parents, former
executive director, and parent of a child with a disability in Idaho. It also features the artwork of
Kevin Jones, a youth with a disability who was a featured artist in our Master/Apprentice Artist
program as well as our Work of Art Secondary Transition program. Kevin has just graduated
from high school and plans to further his studies and employment in the arts.
Israel
Beit Rahel Straus is a high school for special needs youths ages 13-21.
In most high schools in Israel, students study and prepare for matriculation exams in various
subjects of choice. For years, the opportunity and challenge to attempt the matriculation exams
was unheard of in most special needs schools especially those whose students have cognitive
disabilities. Over the years, our students have defied most stereotypes and have demanded the
right to learn as well as equal rights and opportunities as other teenagers. Similar to the increase
awareness and development on an International level, equal rights for the special needs
community has opened many more “doors”, possibility, significance and life choices. At present,
our students have successfully studied for adapted matriculation exams in a range of subjects
including agriculture, computers, science and art.
The art students designed the Israel square trying to capture a sense of tradition, culture and
history. Thus, they including two important national foods:
Falafel, a famous and yummy middle-eastern specialty that is found all around the country.
While the base, falafel balls and pita , is the same from stand to stand, each place has a different
variety of salads and toppings to add to your liking.
And Bamba, a children’s snack made from peanuts that accompanies every child from infancy to
adulthood.
The dove, represents the desire and dream of peace
And the old city represents the heart of Israel and of Jerusalem. A piece of ancient history with
many stories to tell, the walls of the old city to this day surround the beautiful, living and
spiritual city of Jerusalem ‫ירושלים‬.
Japan
The quilt square from Japan was created by Poe, who has a developmental disability. Poe has an
amazing imagination and she uses her weaving to make dresses.
SAORI is a free style of hand weaving that was founded in 1968 by Misao Jo who was born in
Osaka, Japan. The philosophy is that everyone can freely express themselves. There are no
mistakes as every weave has its own special character. It is a living art that allows its participants
to make a living, express themselves and be teachers to others.
Kentucky
The log cabin block is a traditional Ky quilt block. The center red block represents the hearth and
the strips are the logs. The fabrics were hand dyed and then screen printed. The screen design
was made from hand written descriptors representing the goals/characteristics of VSA Ky. The
outline of the state and the logo were hand embroidered.
Massachusetts
When given the opportunity to contribute to VSA’s anniversary celebration by creating a piece
of the quilt I knew who to turn to right away. One of the strongest international links we have in
the Massachusetts affiliate is through Saori weaving. Developed by the VSA Affiliate in Japan,
Saori is a wonderfully inclusive creative process that brings people of all abilities together in
small groups around the globe to weave together. Sometimes the product is a collection of grand
banners used to transform buildings and public parks. Other times the fabric is made into hats
and scarfs or art objects of all sorts. One hallmark of this hand weaving process is that there are
no mistakes. Serendipity is allowed to reign as the artist and the yarn work together.
When Saori master Mihoko Wakabayashi made Massachusetts her home the art form quickly
became part of VSA Massachusetts’ culture. We’ve sponsored classes and developed a literacy
curriculum using the woven tapestries to inspire story telling. Some of our students Looms have
found weaving to be a resource for self-regulation and Saori products feature prominently in our
annual holiday craft market.
In the inclusive spirit of Saori Mihoko set up a loom during the reception celebrating the winter
holidays and the artists participating in the Handmade Holiday Market in our Open Door
Gallery. Young and old, the artistically inclined and those just shopping for a few creative gifts
were all drawn into the process of creating a swatch of cloth that was later fashioned into our
small part of this great quilt. Like the larger quilt itself, our section is a thing of beauty because
so many people shared their appreciation for the important work of VSA and the ability of the
arts to uplift the human condition like nothing else can.
Minnesota
I think that to many Minnesotans, and me we feel very lucky to be living in this state, as if we
have a beautiful treasure unknown to the rest of the world. It is kept secret by stories of terrible
winters, cold weather, mounting snowfall and when it all lets up - wicked tornados. We just
smile and say, "Yes, there's that, too." But spend a few years in the Twin Cities and settle in. The
Germans, Norwegian's, and Swede's might look at you suspiciously at first, but they're all soft in
the bellies once you smile and swap stories of home.
When I was asked to make this quilt square, first I was surprised but honored. I haven't been
doing fiber art very long compared to many artists. I spent most of my life as a writer and
believed it was my calling until 2005 when a tumble down the stairs after a previous history of
domestic violence took its toll causing a traumatic brain injury and I lost the focus to write
anything of length, much less recall words (well, not without learning A LOT of patience). Fiber
art was my new way to focus the creative energy I desperately needed for communication and
without an arts education, it allowed me to work with texture and design rather than drawing and
painting. In such a way, I found a new voice.
"Represent Minnesota in 8" by 8"," they said. Minnesota? Were they serious? Minnesota - the
land of more than 10,000 lakes, where I had sailed through the Madeline Islands with my parents
during a sudden storm, waves crashing on the deck, barely getting our sails down in time to dock
on the lee side of one of the islands. The next morning I sat alone on a cliff listening to the loon's
high pitch call and wondering what it was like for the Native Americans or the Voyagers in their
giant canoes as they made their way through these storms; realizing, as the sun caught the
reflection of the dew drops on the pine trees below that in the bushes not far from me I shared
my perch with a lone gray timber wolf, feeling honored to have been welcomed by such
company. Minnesota has some of the nations most prestigious art and cultural centers like the
Guthrie Theater, the annual Renaissance Festival, the Seward Ballet Company, the Minnesota
Orchestra who tour internationally and the Walker Arts Center, on whose lawn lies the infamous
giant sculpture of a spoon with a cherry on the end. In this state my son attended a multi-lingual
school represented by populations of Hmong, Somalia, African American and Latino students;
where park performances were an education in cultural diversity. Here I can go
downtown/uptown with the hip-hop, hi-funk, hi-tech, or the Mall of America centered around
Legoland and a moving aquarium, or into the old downtown of St. Paul back when it used to be
called "Pig's Eye" to enjoy the statues of the Peanuts cartoon characters, including Charlie
Brown in honor of our local artist Charles Schulz or even to appreciate the statue of Mary Tyler
Moore outside of what used to the TV news station headquarters. In Minnesota I attended the
Twins baseball games as a regular part of school field trips and family picnics and when they
won the World Series in 1991, my family flashed our "Homer Hankies" at every tourist we could
spot, joining the fun with other Minnesotans.
How do I represent that in 8 square inches? Which symbol was most important? I asked many
friends and family but it depended on what was important to them. Finally, I searched for fabrics
with MN motifs and what I couldn't find, I printed onto fabric from the internet and home
photos. Then I narrowed it down to the top 100 pictures. And painfully, little by little, feeling
like I was rejecting my own children, it became the collage you see on the quilt. A sigh of relief.
Nevada
Jennilee Faith Harrison knew by the time she was a teenager that she wanted to live an artist’s
life. She took steps toward her dream by studying Commercial and Fine Art at Pacific Union
College near St. Helena, California. Over the years, art continued to be an important part of her
daily life until a botched back surgery in 1995. Since then Jennilee has endured more than 200
trips to the hospital and numerous surgeries. To this day she lives with constant pain and limited
mobility. She recalls a time when she just wanted to give up, she said, “I thought what kind of a
life will I ever have?” With the encouragement of her daughter, she continued creating through
the pain and frustration.
One day in early 2003, she contacted VSA arts of Nevada (VSAN), now Arts for All Nevada,
located in Reno and learned that there was an opportunity for her to exhibit and sell her work in
their year-round Art Access Gallery. Her daughter drove her to the VSAN offices located in the
historic Lake Mansion and listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. As her
daughter pushed her wheelchair up the accessible walkway she recalls knowing that she was not
there by mistake. At a time when most of her life was spent in bed, she had few thoughts of a
future of opportunities, especially when it came to her art. Suddenly she felt that this visit with
VSAN was an opportunity that would open up her life or as she put it, “a reason to be”!
In the fall of 2014, VSAN asked Jennilee to create a quilt square representing the Nevada VSA
affiliate. When she was asked about her inspiration for the design Jennilee had this to say, “The
overall design was inspired by the Lake Mansion and the day I made my first trip to the VSAN
offices. The sidewalk represents the opportunity I was given by VSAN for a new life. The door
is a door that opened up for me a new life regardless of being differently abled. I had the children
served by VSAN in mind when I chose a bright happy color for the door. I included the Truckee
River, which flows just a short distance from where the Lake Mansion is located, because rivers
carry energy and beauty.” Jennilee added, “I have said this before, VSAN, now Arts for All
Nevada, means so much to me because of the opportunities they gave me.”
New Mexico
“What makes New Mexico unique?” artist-teacher Monique Montoya asked her fabric arts class
in the Day Arts Program* at VSA New Mexico. The Day Artists were excited about making a
quilt block and several sketches were made then taped to the wall. A vote was taken on what
most represented New Mexico and the winners were clear: hot air balloons, green chili, the Zia
Pueblo sun sign featured on the New Mexico flag, and of course, VSA NM. Jamy Cantrell, Jane
Lueras, Kellee Murray, Lydia Peterson and Joyce Thornhill all volunteered to work on the
different parts, which were pieced together. Everyone was happy with how it turned out. Even
the shape of the quilt block looked right—a square, just like New Mexico!
*VSA NM’s Day Arts Program for adults with disabilities provides education and training in the
visual, performing and literary arts; performance and exhibit opportunities and venues for the
promotion of artists’ work.
New York
The NYC quilt square was made over a few weeks with several students from PS 372 Brooklyn ages
6 to 8. My students traced their hands and heart shapes and then painted white fabric squares
using either warm or cool colors. Then students either painted and/or printed their hands or heart
shapes onto the fabric. Once I had all the components I cut them out, arranged, machine sewed,
and added writing with fabric marker.
During the same time that this was happening my students were working on a neighborhood mural
project which incorporated similar materials and process. The kids really enjoyed working with paint
so this project was a very big hit.
Philippines
The Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut) represents the simple dream of each Filipino to have a roof over
their families' heads, to shelter them from storms, made of materials available from natural
resources. The love for family and the wish to gather them in one place as long as possible is the
root of this cultural Filipino nature. It is the Filipino dream to live simply together, hopefully
preserving the environment where they benefit for the basic needs it provides and through the
numerous typhoon that visit the country each year, they will rebuild and appreciate life all over
again after the storm. The birds around is a reminder to sing and smile with renewed hope, the
unbelievable Filipino forgiving and hoping spirit, ever so often. Art Martinez was the Artist-InResidence who designed this concept.
Saudi Arabia
South Carolina
South Carolina’s VSA Affiliate sent in a cloth that was created in their Batik program and VSA
Tennessee turned it into a quilt square. The South Carolina Affiliate is known for their Batik
program and sell Batik clothes, scarves, handbags and other items made by individuals with
disabilities.
Batik is a technique of wax-resist dyeing applied to whole cloth, or cloth made using this
technique. Batik is made either by drawing dots and lines of the resist with a spouted tool called
a canting or by printing the resist with a copper stamp called a cap. The applied wax resists dyes
and therefore allows the artisan to color selectively by soaking the cloth in one color, removing
the wax with boiling water, and repeating if multiple colors are desired.
Tennessee (Process of putting Quilt Together)
Tennessee was responsible for putting the quilt together. As it was being pieced together, it was
known that a few “extra” squares may be needed to make the quilt balance. Two young ladies
who were deaf (Bethany Dillon and Farzanah Hassan) and who had worked on another art
exchange as part of the 40 Days project, suggested that a quilt block be made with the sign of
“love”. They had created such a design for a fabric project exchange with France. They said that
love is the universal language, the one thing that bring us all together, and the focus of this entire
project. Due to their suggestion, the quilt block was not only created, but it is the center block of
the quilt.
I enjoyed designing the quilt piece for Tennessee. When I was thinking of what I wanted to draw
I thought about what Tennessee means to me. It is my home state and it is comfort to me. When I
think of Tennessee I think of my backyard and all the sights and sounds I hear and the comfort I
feel. I wanted to include these things in my drawing.
Tennessee (Process of Putting Quilt Together)
Prior to creating the quilt, VSA Tennessee did an art exchange with France that also involved
sewing and a form of quilting. One of the young ladies that worked on this project was deaf and
showed a great interest in sewing. She learned about the quilt and asked to help. She was told
that the quilt would be put together at Middle Tennessee State University. One of the college
students who was assisting with the quilt was also deaf and the two began to converse. It was
through this conversation that the younger girl began to realize for the first time that college was
an option for her future. It was not something she had considered until coming onto a college
campus and working on this project and finding that there were college students who were deaf
that were succeeding in their quest for a higher education. It was a side story to the quilt that we
believed was quite rewarding.
Tennessee (Process of Putting Quilt Together)
There were several college students who came out on a Saturday to help the children with
disabilities quilt the squares. Some of the younger people were a bit shy to be on a campus with
college students until some of the students began to share their own stories of
disabilities….stories that many of them had not shared in the past. Two of the students explained
how they had childhood cancer and how that experience changed their lives. They were
determined to make the most out of every moment on this earth. Both of these students had
volunteered their Saturday to work on the quilt because they said they felt that helping others and
experiencing as much as they can from life is very important.
Tennessee (Quilt Square)
The raccoon, the Mockingbird and the Iris are all things I see in my back yard or at the River
Park. They are also some of our state symbols.
I wanted to include our state flag because it represents our state and its three main regions, East,
Middle, and West. My favorite regions are East, where I live, and Middle because I love
Nashville and I love music. My love of music is the reason I included the guitar and many
musical notes.
I included the rivers on the Tennessee map because I also love water and how peaceful it is to
float on one of our rivers. When you add music to that it is a wonderful place to be and live.
Bradley A. Early
Texas
United Arab Emeritus
This part of the International Quilt has been made by a number of high talented students with
intellectual disabilities from VSA center at SCHS - UAE. They have used what they've trained to
do in the art of printing to show their vision of UAE identity in the colored flag of the country
that is seen very clear among their black and white pictures, as the colored flag refers to the pulse
of life and the expressed it by coloring.
Vermont
Toby MacNutt smiles thoughtfully in this close up portrait. Her face, with square glasses and
hoop earrings, is framed by the green below of her shirt and the green behind that appears to be
part of a painting. She gazes softly to the side with a slight smile. Toby MacNutt, VSA VT High
School Performing Arts Program Coordinator recently finished VSA Vermont’s quilt square.
The square was designed so that viewers would be able to read it and feel the texture since each
element is defined by different fabric textures and tactile seam work.
Visual Description: The 8.5 inch square of white, barely-patterned cotton has several shapes
appliqued (stitched) onto it. On the left is green, marbled fabric cut into the shape of Vermont. At
the bottom right, disappearing behind the bottom half of the state, are three purple flannel
mountains with snow-caps outlined in white thread zig-zags. They overlook a lake made of
layers of blue fabric, all stacked and outlined with curves. Above the mountains in the upper
right is a red felt heart. Embroidered on the heart in chunky white thread are the words: VSA VT.
Virginia
The VSA arts of Loudoun County quilt square is a composite of elements representing seven
regular members of our on-going adult DaVinci Art Studio. Participants designed their personal
logos, which together we combined into a single image. The group also chose to depict the
Appalachian Mountains of our landscape, and the American Dogwood, Virginia's state
flower. Franklin Park Arts Center, with it's barn-like architecture, completes the picture of our
rural heritage. It's home base for VSA arts of Loudoun and so essential to our organization,
which recently celebrated 25 years!
Wisconsin (Sandra Walling, Program Director)
When I was asked to create the quilt patch, my first my idea was to involve all the teaching
artists. I measured and cut pieces of primed canvas for each teaching artist to paint, draw or
embellish in some way. After those pieces were handed in, my plan was to sew them on the quilt
block. I only received one piece back from one teacher so went on to plan B.
Holly Majerus from Edgewood College was a Practicum student at the time and was working
closely with me. I invited Holly to come up with ideas based on a Wisconsin theme. At that
time I had decided an outline of our state and some Wisconsin themed symbols would be put
over the state on the quilt patch. Holly came up with corn, cows, cheese and milk. She sketched
up some of these ideas.
As a visual artist, ideas often come from the materials themselves. Taking a trip to the fabric
store lent to the background and state color choice. I am not a sewer so I knew that the patch had
to be assembled in on non-traditional way. Sifting through our textiles lent to the idea of how to
create the cheese (I found some holey yellow felt). I also found some skin colored felt and came
up with the idea to create a couple of people that would represent visual art, music and
diversity. I found a round piece of metal at the fabric store and thought it looked like a
tambourine that one person could hold and made a paint brush with felt and string for the other
person to hold. While looking through our textiles I found some purple felt and that is how the
violet came to existence. Thank you to Holy for thinking of Wisconsin themes and planting
those seeds that helped when I searched through the materials. The corn was fun to do. After I
found yellow embroidery thread I thought that stitching the kernels would add texture and look
interesting. Black fabric paint was used to make the “cow” spots. I remembered Kathy Paul
ironing our logo on the aprons and that is how I came up the idea to iron our logo on the
patch. With the measurements of the quilt I thought that cutting in to the state with the logo
would also add some texture to the overall composition. I took all ideas and materials home and
finished it over a weekend. It was a lot of fun to do and I am honored I was picked to do it.