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Special Projects
Aired Out Quilts
Aired Out Quilts (AOQ) utilized the oral histories of eight Detroit residents and one Highland Park resident who have lived in neighborhoods that are either distinct, in transition, enduring or on the edge of abandonment. These stories provided the inspiration for two local quilters to create contemporary quilts that were “aired out” and hung at homes of the interviewees who live in these select neighborhoods. The project was captured through audio recordings, photography, and a film documentary. The documentary film premiered at the Michigan Science Center on August 6, 2022. It has not been released for public viewing at this time. We will also be raising funds to print a full-color Aired Out Quilts book. Aired Out Quilts was originally a Live Coal Gallery, LLC Knight Arts Challenge winning project. The non-profit organization, Live Coal, will continue any efforts of the project.
AOQ Outdoor Exhibition
All nine quilts were hung at the homes of each interviewee on November 20, 2021. Image above: Detroit resident Dwan Dandridge holding quilt made by April Anue Shipp.
AOQ - The Book
The up and coming Aired Out Quilts book will featuring the completed interviews, full color photos of interviewees and their quilts, and photographs showing the life of the project. We are currently raising funds to design and print the book. If you would like to make a donation towards this effort, please visit our donation page!
Aired Out Quilts Team
Top left to right: Timashion Jones (photographer/videographer) and Jean Alicia Elster (writer/interviewer)
Bottom left to right: Patricia Millender (quilter), Yvette Rock (Project Concept Developer and Director) and April Anue Shipp (quilter).