Since the pandemic started, I've been unable to make my regular art. It seemed somehow self-indulgent and impractical. Luckily I have a skill, one that I haven't used in decades - sewing. I realized I could use my stash of cotton fabric and my sewing skills to make life-saving reusable masks. During this time, I joined a very special online group of sewers (and helpers) called the Auntie Sewing Squad. As of November 2021, I have sewed more than 1600 reusable fabric masks for friends, family, seniors, essential workers, prisoners, farm workers, and tribal people all across this country. I, along with my fellow Aunties, did a lot of "rage sewing" as we fought to do the work that our government abdicated. --Label design by exhibit curator Nancy DeJoy. Labels written by Ben Lash and his team in consultation with artist statements.
