About the Quilt

Library volunteer, Annette Sjolund, fondly recalls, “I was approached by library staff to help with a little quilt project.” Little did any of us know the project would grow into something much larger. We hoped to create a small piece of collaborative art highlighting our diverse community. Artists were encouraged to submit blocks for the quilt that—while celebrating their needlework and fiber art skills—would also recognize the larger diversity theme by reflecting their cultures and heritages.

The response far exceeded all of our expectations. We received 55 blocks representing 40 different countries/cultures/backgrounds and a variety of needlework skills. Some artists tried to capture their perceptions or images of their home countries. Some represented a social group or organization that had become representative of their cultures. Others showed symbols of what they defined as their culture, such as a home language or a country’s crest. Each block has a story reflecting the artist’s background. Some artists learned the craft as a hobby; for some it was a necessity and for others, it was a family tradition. The quilt provides an opportunity for the artists to “chronicle” their journey, showcases their talent and recognizes that our unique perspectives can enrich everyone’s lives.

This endeavor would not have been possible without the dedication of our amazing quilters, Karen Koeller and Annette Sjolund, who spent countless hours bringing this vision to life. Their creativity in weaving 55 distinct blocks into a single piece of art is truly inspiring.

The Threads of Our Community quilt is an art project demonstrating that there is a place for all people in the fabric of our society. The quilt hangs in the main stairwell of our library as a commemoration of the diverse skills, talents and heritages found here in our very own community.

~ Rochester Public Library Diversity “Quilt” Committee

Quilt fabric provided by: Quilter's Sew-ciety
Quilt design and construction: Annette Sjolund, Edith Runerson, Karen Koeller and Synneva Hicks
Quilt block photos and cover photo: Photos by KID
Book/Graphic Designer: Ginny Erbe
Writers: Frank Hawthorne, Gail Harris, Ginny Erbe, Greg Sauve, Laura Randolph, Purna Gurung
Editor: Elizabeth Cohn

Library Quilt Project - Threads of Our Community

The Threads of Our Community Quilt currently hangs above the stairwell, just inside the library's lobby.

Click on an individual quilt square for information about the artist and the method used.