Sierra Club WV Debuts Complete “Quilting for Community” Quilt at The Co-Op

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - On Tuesday, June 2, Sierra Club West Virginia - in collaboration with local artist CJ Sews and master quilter Tracy Dingess - debuted the finished Quilting for Community quilt designed, cut, and sewn by community members. The debut party was held at the Co-Op in Morgantown, the site of the project's initial launch in January. Over 35 people joined in the celebration.

Throughout the first six months of the year, a team of 15 volunteers met regularly to create the quilt made of recycled, donated fabrics. Project participants entered the quilting process with varying levels of experience and grew in community, awareness of environmental advocacy, and sewing skill as the weeks progressed. Portions of the quilt were displayed at the Appalachian Studies Association conference in March ahead of its official debut.

The Quilting for Community project aims to build a joyful community grounded in shared concern for our state's treasured outdoor spaces, community health, and interest in a storied, Appalachian folk craft. Looking ahead, the finished quilt will now tour the state with stops at local outdoor markets, community events, libraries, and galleries to promote conversations on art, advocacy, and connection.

"This project has been such a joy," said Sierra Club Beyond Coal Organizer Lisa Di Bartolomeo. "The community we built as we made our quilt was so fun and engaged, creative and talented. I have to shout out Beth Shorrock from the Retail Lab for hosting us and teaching so many people to sew; Lisa Giuliani from the Co-Op, of course my partner in the project, Carolyn Helenski, and most of all Tracy Dingess, who put all the squares together and made them into an actual quilt! Now we have a beautiful visual of what can happen when a community comes together, and a foundation on which to build engaged climate activism."

"Before starting this community quilting project my intentions were to use up my fabric scraps, meet some new people in the community, and empower others to find joy in climate action," said artist CJ Helenski. "Climate change is overwhelming and depressing to think about, and action matters, no matter the size. Our first event at the Co Op was awesome; I was literally in awe of all of the people who showed up and set goals to take action in different ways. During the subsequent months it was so special watching everyone create their own quilt square with their own one-of-a-kind style. I am walking away from this project feeling inspired and connected. I even go on weekly coffee dates with a new friend I met through this project who does amazing work reporting on current events regarding politics and environmental issues in Appalachia. I'm so grateful to everyone who showed up to create our lovely quilt, learn a new skill, and/or share their skills with others. Thank you!"

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.