Instead of bullets, Pennsylvania
artist Mimi Shapiro sewed a
fl ower sprouting from the end of
a handgun to exemplify Vision
Quilt’s theme, “It’s Possible.” Mary
Ruzich’s succinct message is “Enuf.”
I fi lled my panel with the plea
“Don’t Shoot Cuz We All Bleed.”
Through imagery and words people
explore ideas, leading to greater
understanding of themselves and
others. Those deeply affected by
the trauma of gun violence discover
they can speak through art.Like the AIDS Quilt, displaying
Vision Quilt panels inspires
conversation and mobilizes action.
Panels are ‘worn’ in marches, rallies,
and vigils. Exhibitions have been
held at schools, community centers,
libraries, hospitals, event centers,
and art museums and have been
used to promote dialogue. Eighty
panels were hung with fi shing line
from the ceiling of a California
public middle school for fi ve weeks,
stirring conversations among
students who enjoy hunting withVision Quilt panels from top left to right were created by: Beth Richards, Kate Alejandra Pensamiento, Judy Howard,
Maddox Knight, Stella Shekinah, Ginna Gordon, Melissa Andrews, Shoshana Dubiner, and Valerie Goodloe.