The Skin Quilt Project

About The Skin Quilt Project:

The Skin Quilt Project is a documentary that explores colorism in the African-American community. The film addresses this complex issue through the stories of African-American quilters, and the tradition of an artform that celebrates its culture. The quilters speak of the influence of the African-American quilting tradition as a tool for encouraging an appreciation in the African-American cultural heritage.

Colorism has been a long disputed issue within the African-American community, however, filmmaker Lauren Cross speculates that African-American quilters are much more grounded in their African roots. As Quilt historian Carolyn Mazloomi explains, African-American quilters "are joined by the thread of a needle” in which the quilting medium leaves no room for “color issues.”

As many African-American quilters come from families who have passed down quilting techniques to their children and grandchildren, today’s quilters represent African-American men and women who have become concerned with telling the story of their cultural heritage. In The Skin Quilt Project, the quilters tell the story of skin color politics in African-American culture, yet realizing the power of quilting to empower self-confidence in their community.

About the Artist:

Lauren Cross is a writer, activist, and interdisciplinary artist working in mixed media, photography, media arts, and installation art. Her current research interests include the issues of colorism and the “color complex” within the African American community, and her current work addresses ideals of beauty, race, and skin complexion in media imagery. She is also the founder and editor of CVAAD Projects( www.cvaad.com), an online blog and resource for contemporary visual art of the African diaspora. She received her BA in Art, Design, and Media from Richmond, The American International University in London, England, and MFA in Visual Arts from the Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA.

For more information,
please contact us at:
info@skinquiltproject.com

Quilting and Participant Links:
www.artbysshine.com
www.wendellgeorgebrown.net
http://blackthreads.blogspot.com
www.bluetrianglequiltguild.com
www.africanamericanartquilt.com
http://auburn.edu/academic/other
/geesbend/home.html
www.carolynlmazloomi.com/
http://richerichardsonartquilts.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/darianurbangriot
www.myspace.com/mahoganylbrowne

September 28

Donate to The Skin Quilt Project!

Art by participant Sherry Shine

The Skin Quilt Project, is a new documentary about the influence of the African American quilting tradition in encouraging an appreciation for African American cultural heritage. The main focus of the film is to discuss how quilting provides confidence and self-esteem to African Americans who quilt, specifically for those who have suffered from the affects of colorism or skin color prejudice within the African American community.

The film will feature interviews from African American students, professionals,artists, quilters, and scholars of African American culture, as well as footage of fellowship between women(and men) of African descent through quilting. By combining discussions on colorism with the influence of the African American quilting tradition, the hope is that African Americans dealing with insecurities about skin color can gain a deeper understanding of how to overcome the “color complex.” As some of the project participants confess, being apart of a community or group that joins together for a common creative purpose has proved to help individuals become better equipped to overcome or deal with social issues.

Currently the film is in the production process, as I’ve began filming in August 2009 in my hometown of Houston, Texas. So far the filming has created an awesome opportunity for me to connect with so many fascinating men and women, who were willing to make a contribution to the project. I’m just returning from my second trip to Houston, and in October through November 2009 I’ll begin a series of traveling to a number of locations including New York/New Jersey, Chicago, Ohio, South Carolina, Alabama, and possibly Michigan to interview participants. Together the interviews will connect the core elements needed to communicate a well-rounded view of the subject.

I’m encouraging your financial support towards the project, as such traveling comes with tremendous costs, and requires an extensive amount of support to make it happen. From airfare to accommodations in each location the fees that put together a film can be an overwhelming task. I’ve made the great sacrifice to dedicate my time and finances to begin the production process, however, in order to fully accomplish this goal( completing production by the end of November 2009 and finishing post-production by the end of December 2009) it will take the help from outside sponsors to ensure that this project comes into fruition.

As far as future plans, I plan to submit the film to film festivals both nationally and internationally, and market the film for public broadcast and distribution once the post-production is complete(January 2009).

Due to the economic climate, I understand that the idea of giving may seem like a challenge, however, I urge you to consider contributing to this project and here are the reasons why…

1. I believe The Skin Quilt Project will make a tremendous impact and contribution to society.

2. Most importantly, your donations are tax-deductible!!

The Skin Quilt Project is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions in behalf of The Skin Quilt Project may be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Please know that your support is appreciated regardless of the amount, and I believe that there is never a donation too small. Note: Each person who gives towards the production of The Skin Quilt Project will be mentioned in the credits of the film.

There are two ways to donate online or by check. To make your donation online please click this link. Checks should be made payable to Fractured Atlas, with The Skin Quilt Project in the memo line. For donations of $1,000 or more please submit the attached Major Gift Letter form with your check. Please email me at info@skinquiltproject.com for where to send donations by check. Note: You can donate up to $5,000 on the online payment form, which you can get to on The Skin Quilt Project website or directly through the following link. If you’re planning to make an online submission let me know if you have any questions. Online submissions over $1,000 made through The Skin Quilt Project donation link don’t require the Major Gift Letter form.

Thanks for your time and generous support, and please feel free to contact me for any further details.

Sincerely,

Lauren Cross

Director, The Skin Quilt Project

info@skinquiltproject.com