Quilting - old art form, new art project

Angela Mayell, left, and Nancy Stevens encourage all Sisters to view the quilt.

by Christine Ross

A framed quilted tapestry offering a glimpse into the religious lives of several Sisters of Providence is on display at Providence Motherhouse.

Student volunteer Angela Mayell, who spent her two month placement with the Sisters, decided to create a project that drew on her skill as a quilter, a hobby she picked up 12 years ago. Angela also spent 20 hours of her own time working on the quilt.

The Frienship Quilt features 20, six by six inch squares. Sisters living on the infirmary floor, Marian II, created an image that represents what they’re currently enjoying in life. It features everything from music notes, flower bouquets, to an SP cross.

Activities Director Nancy Stevens and assitant Andrea Thomson also helped the Sisters draw each piece for the quilt.

The Friendship quilt was made with love. The Sisters did most of the work, including choosing colours, picking fabric, cutting and pasting,” commented Nancy. She encourages all to enjoy the peice of art now hanging on Marian II.

Angela has graduated from her program and misses spending time with the Sisters on Marian II.

“These wonderful Sisters appreciated every single moment of time we spent with them,” says Angela.

“It is such a peaceful and happy place.”

Each year, Nancy introduces a major craft project — a snapshop of the Sisters with each passing year.

Next year, “One World”...details are secret.

2006 — traced/painted hands on large canvas
2007 — (Chapter year) a large cross with images of previous vocations
2008 — 20 by 24 inch puzzle pieces painted on canvas.

Sister Mary Ellen Killeen admires the finished piece. She and Sister Margaret Mary collaborated on a square depicting carrots growing in the garden.