My proposal was inspired by the late ethnics studies professor, Ronald Takaki at UC Berkeley. He believed that the US is not a melting pot, but more of a taperstry. As immigrants have come to the US, they have added to a tapestry of cultures rather than melted into an indiscernible mix. I liked that idea and began wondering how I could make it into an art piece. Over the year I worked with IMAA on the Soldiers Field Mosaic I built a relationship with them and decided to partner with them on this idea. 
We had boxes out for fabric to be donated. We had lots of fabric dropped off along with yarn. The easiest type of weaving is called "twining" and was used in early US colonial days to make rag rugs. I found some hand made looms online and began. The loom was brought to IMAA's "Walk Around the World" event in June 2024 and I asked people to pick from the fabric and yarns and help me weave a piece together. Over 85 people helped there and another 20 at Rochesterfest. Not only did people help with weaving they glazed clay beads that were also incorporated into the design.
The textile will be shown at IMAA's Pearl Gala in October 2024, then be installed in their offices later that month.

This activity is made possible through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council in cooperation with a private foundation.