A good week ago I went to Herndon, Virginia, to see the exhibition “Sacred Threads” and meet with some other artists who displayed their art quilts there.
A few years back I had had the pleasure to see a Sacred Threads exhibition. I was impressed by the high quality of the exhibition as well as the topics presented. Since then, Sacred Threads was one of the exhibitions I wanted to apply for.
When the call for entry came out for this year’s exhibition I felt I had the right piece. I submitted my work, and my piece “Wall of Depression” was juried in. Of course, I wanted to see the exhibition in person.
Like the previous show I had seen, this one was outstanding as well.
There were so many beautiful art quilts in the categories of joy, inspiration, spirituality, peace and brotherhood. However, the pieces in the categories of grief and healing left lasting impressions. Sooner or later, we all experience loss. Loss of a child, a parent. A partner or a friend. For some of us, life changes abruptly through an accident or a disease. We or loved ones are affected by mental illness, losing ourselves or them in perceived darkness. These experiences are not uncommon, yet every story is different.
It takes great courage to put the pain down in fabric and thread. I was touched by the willingness of the artists to open up their hearts and share their vulnerability. The artists expressed their feelings through art and were brave enough to show them to the public. I felt compassion for every single one of them, holding back tears as I read the artists statements. But these art quilts did not only tell stories of sorrow, they also expressed the perseverance of each artist to not give up, to move forward, to heal.
All of these art quilts in Sacred Threads are a testimony of the human spirit. No matter if we experience love and happiness, or grief and sorrow, we can embrace and celebrate each other!
Have a wonderful week!
Christine
Feel good post. Thanks.