The time has come to introduce a wonderful project that I have been dreaming of for over a year.
It is being made possible though an ABC grant from the Tennessee Arts Commission, who is providing funds for an artist to work with our school to create what I have entitled the Stargazer Story Quilt.
I don’t want to reveal all the beautiful details of our plan in this first post, but I can tell you that this quilt will be a unique expression of our school spirit.
I teach art to students in grades 3-5 at A.L. Lotts Elementary School, and each of my students will have the opportunity to make a tangible contribution to this quilt. It will not be a traditional block or patchwork quilt, though it will feature some patchwork blocks (see the mini square to the right). This quilt will be what is known as an Art Quilt.
I will be sharing our progress over the next few months, and beyond, as we hope the finished quilt will have the opportunity to travel to a variety of venues, to be viewed by as wide an audience as possible. This blog is a way to further increase our audience.
As the quilt comes into existence, thanks to the skilled hands, creative mind, and collaborative spirit of local artist Suzi Richters, my students will be learning about various aspects of quilts–the structure and variety of quilts, the rich history of quiltmaking, the community of quilters, and more.
Thank you for visiting our blog. Please check back over the next few months to see our progress as we discuss the development and chronicle the creation of the Stargazer Story Quilt!
Amy Broady, new to blogging
Art Teacher, Grades 3-5
A.L. Lotts Elementary School
Knoxville, TN
