Community Fiber Quilts     
In the Classroom - Rehabilitation Center - Group Home

Traditionally quilts strengthened ties between individuals and their communities. Although most individuals were not trained artists the need to express a personal vision seemed to spring from the fertile imagination.  It is these aspects of quilt making that make it a wonderful vehicle for continuing the tradition for building community, connecting with others and for revealing personal expression and our history. 

After twenty-two years of creating quilts in schools, at group homes, rehabilitation centers and hospitals, I am still excited by the process. Each project is individually designed to meet the vision of the teachers, hospital staff or therapists. At schools the projects are fully integrated into the curriculum. Through this process we go beyond the boundary of traditional quilts in order to reflect our own time and sense of place.  Individually and collaboratively we create “Art Quilts” that can be permanently placed at the site or taken home by the individuals that create the work. 

For more information or to discuss your particular vision, please contact me at normabradley@mindspring.com or 298-8555.

Students created four quilts to raise awareness about the invasive Hydrilla plant that is clogging lakes and harms animals.

“It’s an excellent example of stewardship among these young people…. This quilt is wonderfully symbolic of that.”
Martha Woods, Umstead Park Superintendent