Happy Kwanzaa!
Over the next few days, for those of you placing orders over $100…besides Free Shipping, we will include the Year-End “Good News” Newsletter booklet from Mission of Love. (As quantities last.) We have partnered with Mission of Love and Kathy Price for 25 years, supporting this all-volunteer non-profit to help those in need in Pine Ridge Reservation SD, Guatemala, Mayan Mexico, and more. I have traveled to Guatemala with Kathy and group of surgeons for a Cleft-Lip/Palate surgery trip, as the official photographer in the hospital waiting room and the operating room. I joined her in a tornado-devastated town to distribute comfort quilts to those who had lost their homes, and some had lost their children. A few of you in the Ohio area have reached out to volunteer, and many of you have donated quilts and cash for MOL to distribute to those with almost nothing. I thank you for your generosity.
This MOL newsletter features my portrait of Kathy which was made for the “Better World” exhibit, curated by Susan Brubaker Knapp and Lyric Montgomery Kinard. The quilts traveled 2019-2022, starting in Houston and ending at the Visions Museum. I know many of you saw this uplifting exhibit in person, celebrating amazing heroes.
The statement for this exhibit read:
“There are those among us who make personal sacrifices, who forgo comfort and safety while striving to make the world a better place. They are persistent and dogged in their determination to lift, to save, to shed light, to inspire. They are the helpers, the speakers, the ones who act. They soldier on in spite of persecution or personal risk. They seek to help one lone person or the entire planet. They represent the very best of humanity.”
This mission statement continues to inspire me – to support these courageous steadfast heroes when I meet them – to support their projects – and to aspire to similar accomplishments. I am returning to my studio to continue my art and design practice in 2024, and I have made a commitment that every piece I make will have the intention of inspiring others to think, to act, to speak out on behalf of those without a voice…from children and animals, to the Earth itself. Actually Mother Earth does have a voice, if we stop to listen. Perhaps as you contemplate your goals for 2024, you will take some time to listen to that gentle voice that is whispering to us in all of our quiet moments. “Peace”.
Thank you for supporting our family-owned business in 2023 –
The year we topped $2 million raised for charity – with YOUR help.
Sharing your love of fabric…
Luana and Paul
Now through December 31 – special pricing on Aurifil Threads.
Time to add to your palette of thread colors!
Visit eQuilter’s Instagram, Pinterest or TikTok pages for Color and Design ideas.
See Luana’s Flickr Photo Pages for travel images, review our blog, or follow us on Facebook.
Check out our Video pages for interviews and show reviews.
Luana’s Art & Activism lecture is now online.
Travel/Quilt Dates:
Feb 21-24, 2024 – QuiltCon in Raleigh, NC – eQuilter is a GOLD Sponsor.
March 6 – Canadian Quilters Association – Zoom Lecture “Intl Quilt Trends”
