Threads of Persistence

Since the early nineteenth century, women have used quilts to advance political causes. Inscriptions and images on quilts helped spread messages and raise money. Common themes included patriotism, temperance, and women’s rights. More recently, a group of fiber artists called The Artists Circle organized a quilt exhibit titled “Threads of Resistance” in response to the Trump administration. They received over 500 submissions addressing topics such as gun violence, immigration, LGBT rights, racism, and sexual assault. The group felt as though they had to take a stand against oppression and take part in political activism. The quilts use strong visuals as well as language to challenge both the administration and society. The exhibit and its 67 pieces opened at the New England Quilt Museum and will continue to travel the country throughout 2019.