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Articles
The Most Untraditional Quilt Ever That's how artist Esther Bryan describes the Quilt of Belonging. And she's right. Traditionally, quilts are made up of fabric pieces sewn together with thread. But the Quilt of Belonging also has porcupine quills, a tiny rug, animal skin, bark cloth, a miniature coffee pot, a postage stamp, Guatemalan worry dolls, and butterfly wings! And each of its 263 blocks was made by a different person. So, how did this quilt come to be? In 1994, Esther visited Slovakia, her father's homeland. While there, she encountered an unfamiliar culture and met relatives she'd never known. The experience made her wonder who she was and where she belonged. When she returned home to Canada, she realized that everyone needs to know they are a "valued part of the tapestry of life." She had an idea to create a quilt that would give all Canadians a sense of belonging. "The quilt was going to be Canada's family portrait," Esther explains. "No one could be left out." It would include a block for every nation of the world, and for all of Canada's First Peoples. Each block would tell one nation's story, and each would be prepared by an immigrant or Aboriginal person connected to that nation. For six years, Esther and thousands of volunteers across Canada worked to find 263 block-makers. They sent out hundreds of letters and e-mails. They made countless phone calls. They visited church groups, immigration centres, and embassies. As the blocks arrived at quilt headquarters in Willamstown, Ontario, volunteers stitched them to the background Esther designed. The quilt was completed in 2005. Since then, it was been exhibited all over the country, from Newfoundland to British Columbia to the Northwest Territories. (It has also been to Houston, Texas). When it went to Nunavut, it travelled by bush plane, skidoo, and even on sleds. In 2010, it will be in Surrey, BC, for the Winter Olympics. Esther loves to see how new Canadians react to the quilt. "They are so happy to see that someone knows something about them and their culture. They recognize themselves in the quilt and they feel at home." Through the Quilt of Belonging, Canad's family portrait is complete
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