Alzheimer’s Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope premiered at the Hands Across the Valley Quilt Show in Amherst, MA last month.
It was the first time the exhibit was seen (even by those who created it) in its entirety. After two years in the making, it was especially gratifying. Knowing how many people contributed in so many ways was also very humbling. The quilts received a very warm welcome.
The exhibit has 236 quilts, hung on 18 10-foot “walls.” There are 10 to 12 “Name Quilts” and three small format art quilts per wall. The 182 Name Quilts, each with approximately 55 patches of purple fabric, hold the names of more than 10,000 people who have or had Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. The names were written by or submitted by friends and family members. They are written on the “wrong” side of the fabric, the side that looks faded. The bright color of the fabric, the “right” side, is symbolic of the richness and the vibrant patterns of life. Those are turned inside the quilt, never to be seen again.
Hanging among the Name Quilts are very small quilts that pack a big message. They tell the story of Alzheimer’s from the perspective of the person who has the disease and from the perspective of the caregiver. Included with the story of the quilt is information about the disease. (Click the image to see a larger picture.)
With your help, ”Alzheimer’s Illustrated: From Heartbreak to Hope” will be able to travel to YOUR community too. Please watch the video below and forward the link to everyone you know. (http://youtu.be/JGzAOBwZ7MM) Let’s get 10,000 views—one for each person whose name is featured in the exhibit.
Please share it on FaceBook too!
Thank you!
It blows my mind and breaks my heart to think about the 10,000 people represented in this exhibit. I’m in awe.
Ami,
You’ve achieved the most amazing thing! You constantly amaze and often inspire me.
Thank-you for blessing so many people with your ideas, your drive and your faith.
Love,
Jean