Craftivism: Threads of course
In October I found my people- here in Madison, WI. I stumbled across a call for assistance in sewing/knitting/creating at Art Lit Lab. The project was envisioned by two local artists, Kelly Parks Snider and Chele Isaac to encourage people to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. Utilizing found and manipulated textiles from our local Dig N’ Save, I and other volunteers, sewed embellishments using crocheted afghans and other vintage textiles. These bright and beautiful pieces were being designed to be eye catching. Their temporary home was Bascom Hall, which is the most well traveled section of UW Madison’s campus. Each light pole would be wrapped with one of these crocheted banners, with sewn elements and a screen printed sign with people’s reasons listed for voting.
I was so excited to meet so many wonderful volunteers who united through a common thread. Simply that of wanting all voices to be heard and accounted for with the right to vote.
Too, there was something about helping out with my textile skills that felt like a truly unspoken and yet common bond with each person I worked with. I left smiling and glad to know that I had used my favorite way of being loud. Collaboration is key!
For more details check out this article from UW-Madison.
PHOTO CREDIT: Käri Knutson, UW News Staff
Volunteers prep textile art for installation on Bascom Hill.
