Tag Archive for: WA

Posted by: Cathy and Len

Some of the Quilts of Valor at Jubilee Lodge.

Some of the Quilts of Valor at Jubilee Lodge.

Today Americans celebrate Memorial Day, commemorating the sacrifices of those who have died in the service of their country.  We were reminded of  those sacrifices when we recently screened Threads and had a lively discussion about the film at Jubilee, an active adult community in Lacey, Washington.

Just outside of the hall where we showed the film was a very moving display of quilts made by residents of Jubilee for wounded service members at nearby Madigan Army Medical Center.  These “Quilts of Valor” demonstrate the skill and dedication of the makers, and received a certificate of appreciation from the Warrior Transition Battalion at the hospital.

We brought one of Surayia’s nakshi kantha tapestries, “Gypsy Wharf,” for film attendees to examine. Although “Gypsy Wharf” is very different in style and theme from the Quilts of Valor, the quality and diversity of stitching traditions continues to amaze us.  We are always energized by meeting people who, like Surayia and the women of Arshi, turn thread and fabric into visually intricate and wonderful works of art that can warm and help to heal spirit and body.

Thank you to those who have served to make us free and to those whose commitment to others gives hope.

Certificate of Appreciation for the quilts.

Close-up, Quilts of Valor, Jubilee Lodge.

 

 

 

 

Posted by:  Cathy

Len and I were very excited to receive an invitation from the Bangladesh Cultural Committee to the community’s winter celebration.   For those not familiar with it, the word “mela” comes from Sanskrit and is used in Bangladesh and elsewhere in South Asia to denote a gathering or fair, originally in rural areas but now in urban settings as well.

The Cultural Committee kindly allowed us some time to speak about Surayia and Threads, as well as to display nakshi kantha tapestries, other textiles of Bangladesh and promotional materials for the film.  We enjoyed meeting  Bangladeshis living in the Seattle area, eating some delicious food and enjoying a “trip to Bangladesh” without having to travel far from home.

Donobat!

Taking a closer look at "The Chess Players." Photo copyright Kantha Productions LLC