Quilts! Collaborative Community Art Project for 2026

Quilts! is a collaborative community arts project conceived by artist Patricia Innis. The project takes its inspiration from the craft of quilting as an expression of the histories, communities, and cultures in Michigan.

Historically, quilting existed as a communal activity using the creative process to foster social connections. We envision this project functioning similarly to a quilting bee, with students and participants of all ages designing their own pieces together, in real time, to contribute to the larger whole. We invite classes/community groups/individuals to create collaborative quilts together around a theme and/or design of their choice. Examples might include individual self portraits that create a quilted class portrait when combined. Participants may also choose to produce abstract designs around themes of color or pattern. We challenge participants to adapt styles of traditional quilting techniques (embroidery, applique, patchwork, etc.) and to reimagine them using different mediums (paint, ink, cyanotype, collage, etc).

Since the artwork will be displayed outdoors, the project requires participants to use 4 x 4” wooden squares (in place of fabric) to construct their quilting squares. For extra protection against the elements, we advise the use of a sealant on finished squares which will then be mounted on recycled corrugated plastic to produce each finished “quilt”.

How To Participate

If you belong to a community group—school, day care, retirement facility, house of worship, arts center—and would enjoy making this project available to your own community, please email Director of Programs & Public Engagement, Lindsay Greer