Vanderbilt Divinity School and the Wond’ry’s Fiber Arts Lab will host a collaborative service project with faculty, staff, students, and local communities of faith to quilt mementos for families who have lost a loved one while discussing different faith traditions and pathways toward interfaith solidarity. The mementos will be donated to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for distribution.
Funded by Vanderbilt University’s Division of Government and Community Relations and the Community Engagement Collaboration Fund, the Sacred Stitches project will include all necessary materials for participants. No sewing or crafting experience is required.
“I am always looking for ways to deepen VDS’ connections with the local community,” Dean Yolanda Pierce said. “We are excited to partner with the Wond’ry’s textile artists using a medium that naturally supports meaningful dialogue.”
The Sacred Stitches project will take place over three Sunday afternoons, June 1st, June 8th, and June 15th, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participants may attend a portion or all the sessions which will take place at The Wond’ry, 2414 Highland Avenue (second floor, FAB Lab Room 202).
By engaging in a centuries’ old African American artform, participants will be able to share their stories, discuss interfaith issues, and do so in a context of solidarity where all are welcome in the circle. The goal is to leave with quilts and a greater understanding and support of one another. While VUMC families will be the recipient of the final products, VDS believes each community member, each st
udent, and each congregant will be equally served from the relationships that develop out of the quilting circles.
“I have long been interested in how fashion, design, and crafts connect with social justice work,” Alexandra Sargent Capps, Fiber Arts Build (FAB) Lab Director, said. “We are thrilled to work with VDS on this event and to give back to our Nashville neighbors.”
Participants will be invited back to campus in September to continue the conversation with a screening and discussion of the documentary, Leap of Faith. Directed by Nicholas Ma, the film follows twelve diverse Christian leaders who take on some of today’s most contentious issues. “Inspiring and provocative, Leap of Faith explores whether we can disagree and still belong to each other in a divided world.”[1]
VDS extends a warm welcome to all Vanderbilt faculty, staff and students who wish to participate in this event. To register, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/7E7yXaKThZ. For more information, email Cheryl Williams, director of administration (cheryl.a.williams@vanderbilt.edu).