Submitted
In 2004, as a participatory project with the major Canadian dance event Grasslands - Where Heaven meets Earth, which was held in Val Marie, local resident Colette Schmidt brought together over 60 people from Val Marie and area to create Homescapes: A Community Quilt. The quilt was made of 40 handmade quilt blocks and stitched over almost 270 hours into a commemorative group artwork representing home and community. It has hung in the lobby of Prairie Wind & Silver Sage at the Little Brick Schoolhouse ever since, reminding everyone who sees it of how valuable home is.
Now in 2012 this community commitment has been taken one step further, into a book. Homescapes: A Community Quilt has been designed by Prairie Wind board member Pamela Woodland into a beautiful commemorative volume which Prairie Wind & Silver Sage is publishing in Val Marie. The book contains full colour reproductions of every one of the original quilt blocks, as well as commentaries written by the quiltmakers. Orders of the book will contribute to publishing costs.
Many individuals have already recognized the value this book has, as it is the only permanent record of the love and work shared by so many people, other than the quilt itself. Individuals can order their own copy for only $35 plus GST for a total of $36.25. A sample copy of the book is available for viewing in the Val Marie Village/RM office, and orders can be placed there or through Grasslands Gallery by phone at 306-298-7782. Or go to www.pwss.org for more information and to preview the book.
