Textile artist seeks fabric donations for building-sized project
UM News Service | Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 5 hours, 6 minutes AGO
UM students laying out fabric during a “Soft Monuments” public sewing day at the Fine Arts Building. (UM photo by Austin Amestoy)
The School of Art and Game Design at the University of Montana invites the public to participate in “Soft Monuments,” a semester-long community art project led by internationally acclaimed textile artist Amanda Browder.
Community members are encouraged to donate fabric and take part in creating two monumental textile installations that will transform buildings in Missoula this fall.
“Soft Monuments” brings together UM students and area residents to create two large-scale textile works that will be draped over the Music Building on campus and the historic Brunswick Building in downtown Missoula. The project is supported by UM’s Flagship Fund and celebrates collective creativity while highlighting the stories, memories and materials contributed by participants across the region.
Sewing and quilting have long served as communal practices that foster connection through shared labor and conversation. “Soft Monuments” invites students, families, elders, artists, neighbors, schools and local businesses to contribute to a public artwork that reflects the creativity and generosity of the Missoula community.
Browder is seeking donations of clean, colorful fabric, including cotton, quilting cotton, sheets, tablecloths, curtains and other woven textiles. Fabric may be new or gently used, but should be clean and free of mold, excessive wear or heavy staining. Stretch fabrics, upholstery fabric, fleece, batting, pillows and clothing with bulky seams or hardware are not recommended.
Every donation will become part of the finished installations, giving new life to textiles that carry personal histories and community connections.
The public also is invited to take part in sewing days through the beginning of November. No sewing experience is necessary. All are welcome to attend and contribute to this community project. Visit GrizHub or Amanda Browder’s website for public sewing dates and locations.
Amanda Browder, a textile and installation artist based in New York City and originally from Missoula, is internationally recognized for creating monumental fabric installations that envelop buildings and public spaces. Working with donated and recycled textiles, Browder collaborates with hundreds of volunteers to create site-specific works that celebrate the character and history of each community.