In Remembrance of 9/11: The Bead Quilt

A panel of the quilt in Washington, D.C. Photo credit: beadcave.com

Today marks the 12th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks. The anniversary is, of course, a somber day of remembrance for so many across the country. Yet, it has also brought Americans closer together in memoriam of the loved ones lost, resulting in an inspiring sense of solidarity in the wake of tragedy. Take the Bead Quilt, for example, “a work of collaborative art in response to the terrorist attacks [which] reflects the ideas of nearly 500 bead artists from around the globe, who joined together to express feelings of hope.”

The project began in 2001 by Andrea Adams, who shared her idea of creating an art piece to help those affected heal via the web. The response, she says, was immediately overwhelming.

“By May of 2002,” says Adams, “[we] had collected and assembled 576 beaded squares from artists around the world. The resulting quilts are impressive in size, measuring approximately nine ft. square when displayed all together.

Photo credit: seriousbeader.blogspot.com

The individual squares are incredibly diverse, and reflect a wide array of skill levels, techniques, and emotions. Each square has a unique voice which joins to express our collective anger, grief, compassion and hope.”

The project grew so rapidly that one quilt quickly became three – and together, says Adams, and “[it is] truly powerful [to see]. [They] convey the enormity of the 9/11 tragedies, as well as the outpouring of support.”

“Each square has a unique voice which joins to express our collective anger, grief, compassion and hope”

Today, the quilts stand completed and on view at various traveling exhibits and venues. The project – which started out so humbly, but grew so impressively – is both a testament to the human spirit, as well as the power of creative expression.

You may also be interested in:

• Visiting the 9/11 Memorial
• The LA Times article: “Artifacts continue the 9/11 narrative in a new book”
• Learn about organizations like Points of Light, which provide support and volunteers during times of disaster.