Quilters Unite for FREE Program at the S.H.A.C.K. 

Two weeks ago we received a beautiful donation for the S.H.A.C.K.– dozens of quilts for Sandy Hook children. The aunt of a Sandy Hook Elementary School student put a call out to her quilting friends and soon stitchers form across the country began sewing the love-filled blankets so that children could come and create artwork at the S.H.A.C.K. as a part of the healing process in the aftermath of 12/14. Children of all ages are invited to come to the S.H.A.C.K. on Saturday, April 27th from 11am-4pm to create their own FREE personalized take-home quilt.

*Please note: We had originally offered this program on a “suggested donation” basis for our Spring Break camps, however, the volunteers and donors intended this to be a FREE program. The S.H.A.C.K. apologizes for the error and miscommunication.  The S.H.A.C.K. has been offering many many free programs, classes and workshops since we first began on January 19th and will continue to do so, however, we recently began offering classes on a “suggested donation” basis in order to cover our overhead costs, as our space was not donated. To understand more please click here.

Here is how the comfort quilts all began—

From Patti Gardner—

After 12/14 we were together celebrating Christmas, but more than that just celebrating being all together after the tragedy. Some of us were able to hug my nephew Daniel for the first time since 12/14.  I, like everyone else, wanted to do something to help. We knew this was, and is, going to be a long healing process for all involved. The children’s innocence has been taken from them too early.

My school and neighboring schools delivered to me over 400 snowflakes that I brought down with me in December to decorate the school, but I knew we needed to deal with healing, so I knew we could do something more.  My mother and I have quilted for years and a quilt guild we belonged to years ago use to donate these “healing quilts” to an organization.  I approached my mother on the idea of making these quilts for the survivors of Sandy Hook.  She thought it was a great idea and we reached out to friends and family to help us spread the word so we could get as many as possible to as many children as possible in Sandy Hook.  I set a deadline of 3 months later, as I knew I could deliver them on my spring break.

We had quilts delivered from New Milford, New Fairfield, and Roxbury Connecticut, as well as many towns in upstate New York and then they also came from Minnesota and North Carolina.  People that didn’t quilt donated markers or fabric to one of us who does know how to quilt.  We gave specific directions and explained that the blank squares would be used as part of the healing process. Children will be able to capture happy memories, future goals, collect signatures, or whatever they wanted to express themselves. It is also a quilt full of happiness and bright cheery colors can also bring a snuggle when they need it the most!

–Patti Gardner

Check out our Spring Break camps at the S.H.A.C.K. Join us for a half day or full day session.

Mon 9-12 Cultural Music & Movement with Ms Wendy
*lunch*
Mon 1-4 Quilter’s Workshop – decorate a cool quilt with fabric markers to hang on your wall at home! with Ms Wendy

Tues 9-12 Drumming with Ms Lydia
*lunch*
Tues 1-4 Quilter’s Workshop with Ms Wendy

Weds 9-12 Sculpture Project with Ms Barbara
*lunch*
Weds 1-4 Actor’s Improv & Theatre Games with Ms Wendy

Thurs 9-12 Drumming with Ms Lydia
*lunch*
Thurs 1-4 Quilter’s Workshop with Ms Wendy

Fri 9-12 Puppet Making with Ms Wendy
*lunch*
Fri 1-4 Mask Making with Ms Wendy

Pre-registration is required. The suggested donation is $35 per day (3 hour session) for the half day session from 9am-12pm or 1-4pm (pack a snack) or $60 per day for the full day (7 hour) session from 9am-4pm (pack a lunch & drink). All proceeds go to fund our ongoing free programming at the SHACK to help the community heal through the arts.

Call for more details & a registration form please call 203-304-9555. Pre-registation is required by emailing sandyhookartscenter@gmail..com Space is limited! Register today!