Collaboration with 60 participants

CPMS & NYCAMS Quilts, 2012, fiber and metal, 72 X 78 x 1 1/2 inches, Charter School CPMS; 72 x 78 x 1 1/2 inches, P.S. 369; 72 x 69 x 1 1/2 inches, P.S. 58, Brooklyn, NY

In early 2012, Steven and William Ladd engaged with students from three Brooklyn grade schools and a college-level arts center class. Their mission was to inspire and educate these young minds about the world of textiles and the impact of waste in the fashion industry. To illustrate these concepts, the Ladds introduced swatches of wool suiting material from Ralph Lauren’s menswear label, sample materials destined for disposal. They talked about what swatches are, how they are used in the design process, and how they are thrown away at the end of each fashion season, prompting discussions about textile waste in the garment industry and its detrimental effects on the environment. Drawing from their own artistic practice, Steven and William shared stories from their longtime use of upcycled materials in their own art. 

In a hands-on experience, each student chose cuts of purple textile trimming sourced from a local factory and, using brass tacks to secure them to the swatches, created abstract patterns of color and design. They took turns sewing their fabric collages onto backings, making “pockets” that were stuffed with cotton filler and closed at the loose end to form small pillows. These individual creations, showcasing each student’s artistic process, were joined together to form large quilts, each one representive of the students’ home communities.

Capturing the essence of their collaborative journey, every student's photo was taken for the commemorative Portrait Mural documenting their individual contributions to a brand new artistic experience.

Portrait Mural of 60 participants, Quilt Scrollathon, NY

Community Groups

Charter School CPMS
Public School 58 The Carroll School
Public School 369 Coy L. Cox School
New York Center for Arts and Media Studies

Support

The Quiltathon was made possible by Steven and William Ladd.

Special thanks to Adam Wahler and A2A Graphics, Anna Martin, Bee Ladd and Charles Zizzo, Chris Finlay, Erik Bucci, John Silvis, Larry Gordon, Lucien Zayan and The Invisible Dog Art Center, Ralph Lauren, and William and Frances Hill.