The COVID-19 HOPE Quilt Letters at Del Ray Artisans (10/6/2020 – 4/30/2021)

During this historic moment, the COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented national crisis. The COVID-19 HOPE Quilt, a grass roots community art project, was launched by Diane Canney in response to national sentiments of grief and uncertainty.

For hundreds of years, quilts have been part of the fabric of America. Mourning quilts were used to wrap infants and adults who died. Valor quilts honor veterans. They provide comfort, remembrance, and an historical record passed down for generations. Now when communal grieving is not possible, the quilt panels help tell the story of those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Quilt panel contributions are being accepted from around the country to provide an outlet for grief and to document heroism in fighting the outbreak.

On November 21 Del Ray Artisans hosted the COVID-19 HOPE Quilt Founder Diane Canney in a paint-a-panel event outside the gallery. At sunset there was a candle and holiday lighting tribute honoring the frontline workers and the lives lost as well as marked by COVID-19.

From now until January 19, 2021 Del Ray Artisans nonprofit will receive a $5 donation for each artist member submitting an artisanal/handcrafted 10.5 x 10.5″ panel created to expressly honor a front-line worker or a person in memoriam. Artistic efforts representing HOPE for the future are also welcome and encouraged. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to create panels. You may drop off panel artwork at the gallery to be delivered to the HOPE Quilt for assembly. One of the first HOPE Quilts assembled this fall was on display during the paint-a-panel event.

High-resolution digital image entries of three-dimensional or mixed-media work may also be uploaded to the website for transfer to fabric. All submissions will be on exhibit at the virtual gallery on the HOPE Quilt website (www.hopequilt.org). Fabric is available for creative use at the gallery but any fabric or fiber work is acceptable. Squares should be 10.5″ x 10.5″ (or 11″ x 11″) unless the artwork submitted is via photographic image, then it should be formatted square.

“To go” materials are available in Del Ray Artisans entryway for anyone interested in working on a panel from home. Materials include properly sized fabric, information about the project, and an entry form. Finished panels may be returned to Del Ray Artisans during regular hours. In December the gallery is open the first three weekends on Fridays 6-9pm, Saturdays & Sundays 11am-6pm. The gallery is closed December 21, 2020 through January 6, 2021. Starting January 7 the gallery is open on Thursdays & Fridays 12-6pm, Saturdays 12-4pm. Alternatively, you may mail your square to COVID19 HOPE QUILT PROJECT, P.O Box 2610, Purcellville, VA 20134.

The 8-foot tall HOPE installation will remain on display outside Del Ray Artisans from October 6, 2020 through April 30, 2021. Many of the quilt panels were contributed by Del Ray Artisans members already, including panels by Guy Jones, Kelly MacConomy, Scott MacConomy, Terry Atkin Rowe, Karen Schmitz, Kathy Turner, and Nina Tisara.

For more information, contact Kelly MacConomy at outreach@delrayartisans.org.