"The Talking Quilt"

In order to address the emotional and personal needs of our women, Stardale designed a pilot project utilising various personal and emotional healing methods, and implemented a program entitled, "The Talking Quilt." This endeavour encompassed the medium of colour, texture, pattern, touchability and artistry, with visual and mental stimulation. It provided a spark that ignited the flame of reconciliation for all the women and youth who participated in the designing and the stitching of the quilt.

As the quilt was stitched, group counselling sessions were held and videotaped; oral and written life stories were logged, in order to record the full intensity of the momentum of healing, growth and change in each participant. At the conclusion of the project, a video production was developed incorporating the quilting process, the counselling sessions/discussions and the eventual celebration together with a narrative telling their stories.

The method of approach in the quilt project focused on the element of "council sharing." Thus, the council of women formed a circle and discussed their lives, with joys, traumas and experiences giving way to individual awakening, emotional healing and development.

At Stardale, we focus on individual expression of the self in all art forms, be it in pictures, paintings, sculpture, weaving or quilt making. We feel that the expression of thought of each participant in these projects manifests itself in an expression of artistry, skillfulness and immense talent, which all women have. Their unique talents also have been exhibited on "The Talking Quilt."

On May 17, 2000, Stardale held a celebration for the unveiling of "The Talking Quilt." The event was very successful with excellent feedback.