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Literacy Co-ordinators of Alberta's 1990 International Literacy Year Quilt
Alberta; Canada
Literacy Co‐ordinators of Alberta 1990 International Literacy Year Quilt
In the Beginning…
In the fall of 1988, a number of literacy coordinators in the southwest corner of Alberta discussed the idea of making a quilt-‐ a large quilt to celebrate 1990 International Literacy Year. The Board of the Literacy Coordinators of Alberta was approached and agreed it was a great idea! That’s how it all started. What better way to celebrate 1990 International Literacy Year than with a “literacy quilt”.
The final result, as you can see by the photo, is a testimonial to the involvement of numerous people. Fifty-‐one one-‐on-‐one volunteer tutor programs for adults from Alberta are represented in the quilt. That included over 80 people: coordinators, tutors, advisory committee members, people who had never heard of adult literacy programs, quilters and non-‐quilters. Some quilt squares were designed and completed by one; some, by three or four. A united effort on the part of a varied group of people.
Considering that there was no set plan – the only request being the size (12 ½” square) and the stipulation that the square be 100% cotton – a marvelously diverse batch of squares arrived over a two year period. The two unifying design elements are the literacy symbol designed in England in 1974 and the literacy symbol from UNESCO for 1990.
By the time all the squares were in, there was just enough time to have them all sashed (put together) to appear as a “top” at The Literacy Conference ’90 held in Edmonton in October. At least 1200 delegates and speakers saw it there. Then back to the Crowsnest Pass where it was put on a rack to be quilted at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre for the month of February ’91. When you consider that 1523 people from B.C. to Ontario and from several U.S. States were to see and participate in the quilting process, the quilt was already earning its keep.
Forty-‐two people helped with the quilting…Deb Martin managed to be on time to do her Camrose square, Deanne Friesen and Bunty Dyer from Rocky Mountain House came for a two day visit to the Pass to help, the Lebel House of Quilters of Pincher Creek came in shifts for tea and to provide their quilting skills and several men and women in the Pass put in their quota of stitches, too. A touring group of young people with the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute Choir stopped by; some quilted, all gave us a beautiful mini-‐concert including a “ditty” to say, “sorry, we can’t stay to quilt”. A lady from New Hampshire touring the west with a broken foot stopped to quilt and talk about her own quilts. A young teenager from Great Falls, Montana who played defence on a boys’ hockey team and was at a local hockey tournament put in inches of stitches. It was a marvelous month with all these lovely people—most of whom went away having heard a spiel on adult literacy, the L.C.A. Organization, the purpose of the quilt, 1990s meaning plus…
In the Beginning…
In the fall of 1988, a number of literacy coordinators in the southwest corner of Alberta discussed the idea of making a quilt-‐ a large quilt to celebrate 1990 International Literacy Year. The Board of the Literacy Coordinators of Alberta was approached and agreed it was a great idea! That’s how it all started. What better way to celebrate 1990 International Literacy Year than with a “literacy quilt”.
The final result, as you can see by the photo, is a testimonial to the involvement of numerous people. Fifty-‐one one-‐on-‐one volunteer tutor programs for adults from Alberta are represented in the quilt. That included over 80 people: coordinators, tutors, advisory committee members, people who had never heard of adult literacy programs, quilters and non-‐quilters. Some quilt squares were designed and completed by one; some, by three or four. A united effort on the part of a varied group of people.
Considering that there was no set plan – the only request being the size (12 ½” square) and the stipulation that the square be 100% cotton – a marvelously diverse batch of squares arrived over a two year period. The two unifying design elements are the literacy symbol designed in England in 1974 and the literacy symbol from UNESCO for 1990.
By the time all the squares were in, there was just enough time to have them all sashed (put together) to appear as a “top” at The Literacy Conference ’90 held in Edmonton in October. At least 1200 delegates and speakers saw it there. Then back to the Crowsnest Pass where it was put on a rack to be quilted at the Frank Slide Interpretive Centre for the month of February ’91. When you consider that 1523 people from B.C. to Ontario and from several U.S. States were to see and participate in the quilting process, the quilt was already earning its keep.
Forty-‐two people helped with the quilting…Deb Martin managed to be on time to do her Camrose square, Deanne Friesen and Bunty Dyer from Rocky Mountain House came for a two day visit to the Pass to help, the Lebel House of Quilters of Pincher Creek came in shifts for tea and to provide their quilting skills and several men and women in the Pass put in their quota of stitches, too. A touring group of young people with the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute Choir stopped by; some quilted, all gave us a beautiful mini-‐concert including a “ditty” to say, “sorry, we can’t stay to quilt”. A lady from New Hampshire touring the west with a broken foot stopped to quilt and talk about her own quilts. A young teenager from Great Falls, Montana who played defence on a boys’ hockey team and was at a local hockey tournament put in inches of stitches. It was a marvelous month with all these lovely people—most of whom went away having heard a spiel on adult literacy, the L.C.A. Organization, the purpose of the quilt, 1990s meaning plus…
Finished by the beginning of Match ’91, the quilt made its “complete” debut at the
- conference in Calgary. Now beings its “real work!” It will be travelling the province of Alberta for as long as it’s needed-‐ this year complements of Greyhound-‐ to promote literacy, accompanied by this album with the stories of those quilt squares. It will be viewed at conferences, agricultural and trade fairs; at library special events to increase people’s awareness of literacy and its value to us as individuals, to us as a nation, and in particular to all those who need assistance with reading and writing skills.
Pat Buckland, Literacy/Quilt Coordinator Literacy Coordinators of Alberta
In 1977 the first volunteer adult literacy projects were established in Alberta. In 1981 the Department of Advanced Education, which funded these programs, recognized the need to assist with their coordinator and development and hired a consultant. There were approximately ten projects at this time.
In 1986 the consultant position was froze during a period of government belt tightening. However, the ranks of literacy coordinators had grown considerably and the need to organize for their own professional development and networking became apparent. At a meeting of coordinators in Edmonton, a planning document was ratified and the Alberta Literacy Coordinators Group (ALCG) was formalized with the election of a five-‐member board.
The board’s initial responsibility was to prepare a grant proposal for support funding from the Alberta Government. In 1987, the ALCG received a grant from the Community Programs Branch (then Further Education Services) of the Department of Advanced Education. Among the first activities of the informal organization was a “name the group” contest, and the new name of Literacy Coordinators of Alberta (LCA) was confirmed in September, 1987.
Today the LCA is made up of over 90 members and is more dynamic than ever! The LCA sponsors an annual professional development conference, has established a system to assist programs just getting started and provides professional development to ongoing projects. As well, the organization produces a quarterly newsletter, maintains a resource collection, sponsors projects of specific interest to its membership, such as the quilt, and provides a board member to serve as a director on the board of the Alberta Association for Adult Literacy.
The Quilters from B.C. to Sask…..
from New Hampshire to Montana, U.S.A….
Steinberg, Anita-‐ Port Coquitlam, B.C. Kristinaan (?), Jane-‐ Camrose, AB
Gafka, Taralynn-‐ Agassiz, BC (CLBI Camrose) Wold, Kristin-‐ Red Deer, AB
Johnson, Chara-‐ Pangman, SK (CLBI Camrose)
Gilles, Margarita-‐Great Falls, Montana Krapiuak (?), Albert-‐ Coleman, AB Forotoli, Allison-‐ Coleman, AB
Famil (?), Monin (?)-‐Lundbreck (?), AB McDonald, Beth-‐ Coleman, AB
Strong-‐Kent, Betsy-‐ Jackson, New Hampshire Buckland, Pat-‐ Coleman, AB
Aris (?), Joy-‐ (?) Foley, Jim-‐ Bellvue
Jones, Jean-‐ Blairmore Martin, Deborah-‐ Camrose Carriere, Helen-‐Coleman Menard, Sue-‐ Lethbridge Krell, Jason-‐ Medicine Hat Joth (?), Tina-‐ Lethbridge Joth (?), Rachelle-‐ Lethbridge Walker, Lee-‐Ann-‐ Sentinel
Mathewson, Wendy-‐ Edmonton Wallace, Heather-‐ Cranbrook Rigaux (?), Marjorie-‐ Pincher Creek Bort, Agnes-‐ Pincher Creek Robertson, Annie-‐ Pincher Creek Bonertz, Olive-‐ Pincher Creek Pesters (?), Mary-‐ Pincher Creek
Schrempk (?), Virginia-‐ Pincher Creek Fauville, Betty-‐ Pincher Creek Krapeniak (?), Helen-‐ Coleman, AB Dyer, Bunty-‐ Rocky Mountain House, AB
Friesen, Deanna-‐ Rocky Mountain House, AB Wake, Drew (?) Ann-‐ Calgary
Dingle, Anne-‐ Calgary
Gancke (?), Merle-‐ Blairmore, AB Truitt (?), Hazel-‐ Pincher Creek, AB
1990: International Literacy Year (ILY)
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1990 International Literacy Year (ILY) and invited UNESCO to assume the role of lead organization for the preparation and observance of the Year. This action was in response to an appeal made by the General Conference of UNESCO at its twenty-‐third session in 1985 to proclaim an international year the observance of which would contribute to greater
Famil (?), Monin (?)-‐Lundbreck (?), AB McDonald, Beth-‐ Coleman, AB
Strong-‐Kent, Betsy-‐ Jackson, New Hampshire Buckland, Pat-‐ Coleman, AB
Aris (?), Joy-‐ (?) Foley, Jim-‐ Bellvue
Jones, Jean-‐ Blairmore Martin, Deborah-‐ Camrose Carriere, Helen-‐Coleman Menard, Sue-‐ Lethbridge Krell, Jason-‐ Medicine Hat Joth (?), Tina-‐ Lethbridge Joth (?), Rachelle-‐ Lethbridge Walker, Lee-‐Ann-‐ Sentinel
Mathewson, Wendy-‐ Edmonton Wallace, Heather-‐ Cranbrook Rigaux (?), Marjorie-‐ Pincher Creek Bort, Agnes-‐ Pincher Creek Robertson, Annie-‐ Pincher Creek Bonertz, Olive-‐ Pincher Creek Pesters (?), Mary-‐ Pincher Creek
Schrempk (?), Virginia-‐ Pincher Creek Fauville, Betty-‐ Pincher Creek Krapeniak (?), Helen-‐ Coleman, AB Dyer, Bunty-‐ Rocky Mountain House, AB
Friesen, Deanna-‐ Rocky Mountain House, AB Wake, Drew (?) Ann-‐ Calgary
Dingle, Anne-‐ Calgary
Gancke (?), Merle-‐ Blairmore, AB Truitt (?), Hazel-‐ Pincher Creek, AB
1990: International Literacy Year (ILY)
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 1990 International Literacy Year (ILY) and invited UNESCO to assume the role of lead organization for the preparation and observance of the Year. This action was in response to an appeal made by the General Conference of UNESCO at its twenty-‐third session in 1985 to proclaim an international year the observance of which would contribute to greater
understanding by world public opinion of the various aspects of the problem of illiteracy and to intensified efforts to spread literacy and education.
The logo for International Literacy Year was designed by Kohichi Imakita, a Japanese graphic artist. The artist explains that the logo represents humanity reading. Mr. Imakita’s design was chosen from among 300 entries from 82 countries in a contest organized by the International Association of Arts.
Despite the fact that each square in the quilt is distinctly different from any other, one recurring design throughout is the literacy symbol.
In 1974, the Adult Literacy Campaign Group in England decided they wanted to develop a logo to promote greater awareness of literacy needs. Their designer produced a number of possible logos, none of which were acceptable. They had almost given up hope when they saw a similar symbol; it had received second prize in a local newspaper competition. Their designer adapted it by adding the line over the ‘book’ and the hands holding it. The designer, Peter Freeman, still designs for the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit (ALBSU) in London, England and probably wishes he’d had a dollar for every time the logo has appeared. It is now used extensively throughout Europe as well as in Australia and Canada.
Thanks to…..
Thread Bear Ltd. Of Lethbridge for donating the logo square materials.
Mark Reno of Bellevue, Alberta for his photography at cost of all those squares!
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and staff for supplying the beautiful sunny space in which to quilt and for being so hospitable to the many quilters who came to quilt.
Alberta and Helen Kropinak for having a quilt rack big enough to hold the quilt.
Sharon Groat and the Crowsnest Pass School Division for the patient typesetting of the quilt album.
Greyhound Courier Express for Supplying free transportation of the quilt around Alberta for 1991.
Crowsnest Cleaning Centre Ltd. For offering to clean this quilt – a monumental yearly task,
And SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE LITERACY COORDINATORS WHO TOOK TIME TO CONTRIBUTE A SQUARE.
CENTRE SQUARE
Designers: Pat Parry and Ann Parry
The logo for International Literacy Year was designed by Kohichi Imakita, a Japanese graphic artist. The artist explains that the logo represents humanity reading. Mr. Imakita’s design was chosen from among 300 entries from 82 countries in a contest organized by the International Association of Arts.
Despite the fact that each square in the quilt is distinctly different from any other, one recurring design throughout is the literacy symbol.
In 1974, the Adult Literacy Campaign Group in England decided they wanted to develop a logo to promote greater awareness of literacy needs. Their designer produced a number of possible logos, none of which were acceptable. They had almost given up hope when they saw a similar symbol; it had received second prize in a local newspaper competition. Their designer adapted it by adding the line over the ‘book’ and the hands holding it. The designer, Peter Freeman, still designs for the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit (ALBSU) in London, England and probably wishes he’d had a dollar for every time the logo has appeared. It is now used extensively throughout Europe as well as in Australia and Canada.
Thanks to…..
Thread Bear Ltd. Of Lethbridge for donating the logo square materials.
Mark Reno of Bellevue, Alberta for his photography at cost of all those squares!
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre and staff for supplying the beautiful sunny space in which to quilt and for being so hospitable to the many quilters who came to quilt.
Alberta and Helen Kropinak for having a quilt rack big enough to hold the quilt.
Sharon Groat and the Crowsnest Pass School Division for the patient typesetting of the quilt album.
Greyhound Courier Express for Supplying free transportation of the quilt around Alberta for 1991.
Crowsnest Cleaning Centre Ltd. For offering to clean this quilt – a monumental yearly task,
And SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE LITERACY COORDINATORS WHO TOOK TIME TO CONTRIBUTE A SQUARE.
CENTRE SQUARE
Designers: Pat Parry and Ann Parry
Quilter: Pat Parry
Pat Parry is the mother-‐in-‐law of Ann Parry, the PROSPECTS Tutor Monitor. Pat recently moved to Alberta from Keerbergen (near Antwerp), Belgium with her husband. Through Ann, she has learned a lot about the Alberta literacy scene and was keen to offer her time and talent to help PROSPECTS with their quilt square. Pat then offered to help design and create the centre square.
The LCA logo decorates the four corners of the square. The centerpiece is the International Literacy Year logo. The Alberta provincial flower, the wild rose, borders the whole design. The idea was to definitively state the origin of the quilt (Alberta) and the purpose for its creation (to celebrate International Literacy Year).
DRAYTON VALLEY ADULT LITERACY PROJECT DRAYTON VALLEY
Designer: Carol Ulmer
Quilters: Arlene Hedlund, Olga Brown
When it became apparent that the quilt square would not “go away”, the AVC instructors at the Pembina Educational Consortium and I brainstormed for an idea. “Riggy” was suggested simultaneously by Pam Baker, AVC instructor and myself.
Once on paper, the problem then became the quilter. Our further Education coordinator suggested Arlene and Olga (one of our tutors). They divided the task between them. Olga’s sister-‐in-‐law then did the lettering in her commercial shop, Your Choice.
We were all very thrilled with the finished product, which, by this time, was truly a community effort! We then used the same idea for a coloring contest. The town of Drayton Valley has adopted the motto “Pulling Together” and we think the oil drop, Riggy, helps us do just that!
ABLE-‐NEWELL FUTHER EDUCATION COUNTY OF NEWELL
Designer/quilter: Bev Smillie
The quilt square represents the County of Newell logo. The green shape inside the circle is the shape of the county. On the outside, wheat symbolizes the importance of agriculture in our area and a pheasant indicates that the county is renowned for pheasant hunting. The logo was designed by Hazel Tagg in 1980.
Great thanks goes to Bev Smillie of Bassano. She is the wonderful person who cheerfully responded to a desperate coordinator and re-‐produced the County logo and quilted the square. She is a member of the Newell Further Education Council.
PARKLAND ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM STONY PLAIN
Designer/Quilter: Paula Wintink, Chickadee Studio
Pat Parry is the mother-‐in-‐law of Ann Parry, the PROSPECTS Tutor Monitor. Pat recently moved to Alberta from Keerbergen (near Antwerp), Belgium with her husband. Through Ann, she has learned a lot about the Alberta literacy scene and was keen to offer her time and talent to help PROSPECTS with their quilt square. Pat then offered to help design and create the centre square.
The LCA logo decorates the four corners of the square. The centerpiece is the International Literacy Year logo. The Alberta provincial flower, the wild rose, borders the whole design. The idea was to definitively state the origin of the quilt (Alberta) and the purpose for its creation (to celebrate International Literacy Year).
DRAYTON VALLEY ADULT LITERACY PROJECT DRAYTON VALLEY
Designer: Carol Ulmer
Quilters: Arlene Hedlund, Olga Brown
When it became apparent that the quilt square would not “go away”, the AVC instructors at the Pembina Educational Consortium and I brainstormed for an idea. “Riggy” was suggested simultaneously by Pam Baker, AVC instructor and myself.
Once on paper, the problem then became the quilter. Our further Education coordinator suggested Arlene and Olga (one of our tutors). They divided the task between them. Olga’s sister-‐in-‐law then did the lettering in her commercial shop, Your Choice.
We were all very thrilled with the finished product, which, by this time, was truly a community effort! We then used the same idea for a coloring contest. The town of Drayton Valley has adopted the motto “Pulling Together” and we think the oil drop, Riggy, helps us do just that!
ABLE-‐NEWELL FUTHER EDUCATION COUNTY OF NEWELL
Designer/quilter: Bev Smillie
The quilt square represents the County of Newell logo. The green shape inside the circle is the shape of the county. On the outside, wheat symbolizes the importance of agriculture in our area and a pheasant indicates that the county is renowned for pheasant hunting. The logo was designed by Hazel Tagg in 1980.
Great thanks goes to Bev Smillie of Bassano. She is the wonderful person who cheerfully responded to a desperate coordinator and re-‐produced the County logo and quilted the square. She is a member of the Newell Further Education Council.
PARKLAND ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM STONY PLAIN
Designer/Quilter: Paula Wintink, Chickadee Studio
Wonderful pictures sprang to mind when I began. But as I remembered a close friend’s struggle to read, the frustration, power and joy conjured up by the 26 letters of the alphabet seemed an appropriate image for the block. And the determination to finish the block was, in a small way, a lesson learned from his determination to read!
THE READING NETWORK GRANDE PRAIRIE
Designer/Quilter: Hilda Kuechle
The Grande Prairie quilt square was designed by Mrs. Hilda Kuechle of Beaverlodge. Mrs. Kuechle did not know anything about International Literacy Year, but, when approached by Wenda Housego of The Reading Network, was glad to design and produce the square for our literacy project.
The trumpeter swan shown on the square is present on the Grande Prairie city logo. These beautiful birds spend the summer nesting on the quiet lakes surrounding the city and in the county of Grande Prairie.
LITERACY PROJECT STRATHCONA COUNTY SHERWOOD PARK
Designer: Doris Corbin Quilter: Emma Wegner
The five petals of our Alberta rose make Doris Corbin, tutor, think of the wholistic person.
PROSPECTS Adult Literacy Association EDMONTON
Designer/Quilter: Patricia Parry
Pat Parry is the mother-‐in-‐law of the PROSPECTS Tutor Monitor. She and her husband had recently moved to Alberta from Keerbergen (near Antwerp), Belgium.
THE READING NETWORK GRANDE PRAIRIE
Designer/Quilter: Hilda Kuechle
The Grande Prairie quilt square was designed by Mrs. Hilda Kuechle of Beaverlodge. Mrs. Kuechle did not know anything about International Literacy Year, but, when approached by Wenda Housego of The Reading Network, was glad to design and produce the square for our literacy project.
The trumpeter swan shown on the square is present on the Grande Prairie city logo. These beautiful birds spend the summer nesting on the quiet lakes surrounding the city and in the county of Grande Prairie.
LITERACY PROJECT STRATHCONA COUNTY SHERWOOD PARK
Designer: Doris Corbin Quilter: Emma Wegner
The five petals of our Alberta rose make Doris Corbin, tutor, think of the wholistic person.
- Literacy is happiness-‐emotional wellbeing. A good book is a wonderful form of recreation. The ability to read and express oneself in writing also provides one with emotional security and a positive self-‐image in the sense that one is comfortable functioning in a literate society.
- Literacy is to health as exercise is to the body. We must be able to read and understand what makes us healthy and what to avoid.
- Literacy is paramount for job placement and advancements.
- Literacy is necessary for humans to search and discover and express their spiritual selves – to know why they exist and what they want out of life
- Literacy is essential in learning to co-‐exist with other environments in order to address the urgent task of preserving our environment and taking care of our planet.
PROSPECTS Adult Literacy Association EDMONTON
Designer/Quilter: Patricia Parry
Pat Parry is the mother-‐in-‐law of the PROSPECTS Tutor Monitor. She and her husband had recently moved to Alberta from Keerbergen (near Antwerp), Belgium.
We knew her to be an accomplished quilter and recruited her help in the designing and creating of our square. This was the first involvement Pat had had in the Edmonton Literacy community. She was keen to learn what Adult Literacy was all about, and she learned a little about Alberta in the process!
There are two main themes to the square. The first is the province of Alberta -‐ represented by the provincial flower (the wild rose) bordering the whole dsign and by the horizon glimpsed through the opening door, which is pictured on the Alberta flag. The second theme is that of literacy itself: the literacy logo represents an adult new learner going forward through the opening door of literacy to the ‘new horizons’ beyond.
READ ON LETHBRIDGE
Designer/Quilter: Mary Kirk
Mary Kirk has been a tutor for Read On Lethbridge since 1986. Although trained as a teacher, she spent most of her adult life as a homemaker and mother. She combines her natural teaching technique with her questioning and curious mind to incorporate a variety of approaches in her lessons. Her students progress under her supportive and encouraging eye.
Mary has quilted for a number of years and was the ideal creator for the Read On square. Hers, she combined her passion for literacy with her love of quilting. We are proud to have Mary Kirk as the designer and quilter of our square.
When people think of Lethbridge, our High Level Bridge comes to mind. We are fortunate to have the coulees as part of our terrain and our Provincial flower, the Alberta Rose is often sighted on nature walks.
Through the efforts of Read On Volunteers, more and more citizens in Lethbridge are able to bloom like these roses, and begin crossing the bridges in their lives.
STAR LITERACY PROJECT ST. ALBERT
Quilter/Designer: Karen Brown
Star Literacy Project was inaugurated on August 1st, 1990. As soon as our Literacy Committee had chosen the name for the Project from the first letters of our name, St. Albert Read, we were fortunate in having Karen Brown one of our committee members design our square by placing our logo amongst the STARS! The Coordinator of Star Literacy is Terry Regimbald. The Program is growing steadily with 14 matched tutor-‐learner pairs at present.
Star Literacy is very proud to be part of the Literacy Coordinators of Alberta’s beautiful quilt!
BOW CORRIDOR ADULT LITERACY PROJECT CANMORE
Quilter/Designer: Moe Miller
There are two main themes to the square. The first is the province of Alberta -‐ represented by the provincial flower (the wild rose) bordering the whole dsign and by the horizon glimpsed through the opening door, which is pictured on the Alberta flag. The second theme is that of literacy itself: the literacy logo represents an adult new learner going forward through the opening door of literacy to the ‘new horizons’ beyond.
READ ON LETHBRIDGE
Designer/Quilter: Mary Kirk
Mary Kirk has been a tutor for Read On Lethbridge since 1986. Although trained as a teacher, she spent most of her adult life as a homemaker and mother. She combines her natural teaching technique with her questioning and curious mind to incorporate a variety of approaches in her lessons. Her students progress under her supportive and encouraging eye.
Mary has quilted for a number of years and was the ideal creator for the Read On square. Hers, she combined her passion for literacy with her love of quilting. We are proud to have Mary Kirk as the designer and quilter of our square.
When people think of Lethbridge, our High Level Bridge comes to mind. We are fortunate to have the coulees as part of our terrain and our Provincial flower, the Alberta Rose is often sighted on nature walks.
Through the efforts of Read On Volunteers, more and more citizens in Lethbridge are able to bloom like these roses, and begin crossing the bridges in their lives.
STAR LITERACY PROJECT ST. ALBERT
Quilter/Designer: Karen Brown
Star Literacy Project was inaugurated on August 1st, 1990. As soon as our Literacy Committee had chosen the name for the Project from the first letters of our name, St. Albert Read, we were fortunate in having Karen Brown one of our committee members design our square by placing our logo amongst the STARS! The Coordinator of Star Literacy is Terry Regimbald. The Program is growing steadily with 14 matched tutor-‐learner pairs at present.
Star Literacy is very proud to be part of the Literacy Coordinators of Alberta’s beautiful quilt!
BOW CORRIDOR ADULT LITERACY PROJECT CANMORE
Quilter/Designer: Moe Miller
Spring and the Growth of literacy.
ABLE PROGRAM MEDICINE HAT
Designer: Marie Bergen Quilter: Flo Clark
Marie Bergen was the designer for the Medicine Hat quilt square. She wanted Medicine Hat to be represented in the 1990 International Literacy Year quilt, and she took it upon herself to design a quilt square for Medicine Hat. The gas lantern was her first choice as she felt Medicine Hat is best known as the gas city.
Flo Clark was the quilter for the square and she enjoyed arranging and choosing the correct fabric colors for the quilt. Both Marie and Flo found the project to be a very pleasant and enjoyable experience.
CROWSNEST PASS REAIT/WRITE IT PROGRAM CROWSNEST PASS
Designer: Pat Buckland Quilter: Trudy Plante
The Crowsnest Pass is historically a coal mining area with a very diverse ethnic population.
Appliqued on a coal black background, the design has our traditional coal miner with his shining carbide lamp illuminating a book representing literacy. He’s also sitting in a coal car – a traditional symbol of the coal mining industry.
As our quilter, Trudy Plante has a background fitting “literacy in the Pass”. Having lived here since she was 5 years old, she was involved as a volunteer librarian in Coleman and as a Board member for the Pass libraries, we can appreciate her interest in reading! As an avid quilter, who also taught quilting courses, she filled the bill when we were looking for a quilter to complete our ILY quilt square.
HILLTOP EDUCATION CENTRE DRUMHELLER PENITENTIARY
Quilter/Designer: Lorraine Foesier
This quilt square was designed and sewn by Lorraine Foesier of Rumsey. Mrs. Foesier has been a volunteer tutor with the literacy program in the Drumheller Penitentiary for four years.
The bar design incorporates the prison setting with the Hilltop Education Centre logo used in the centre.
The “E” of the original logo has been altered to represent three stacked books.
LITERACY COORDINATORS OF ALBERTA
Quilters: Fran Amundsen, Sharon Niemeyer THE WRITE BREAK ADULT LITERACY PROJECT
ABLE PROGRAM MEDICINE HAT
Designer: Marie Bergen Quilter: Flo Clark
Marie Bergen was the designer for the Medicine Hat quilt square. She wanted Medicine Hat to be represented in the 1990 International Literacy Year quilt, and she took it upon herself to design a quilt square for Medicine Hat. The gas lantern was her first choice as she felt Medicine Hat is best known as the gas city.
Flo Clark was the quilter for the square and she enjoyed arranging and choosing the correct fabric colors for the quilt. Both Marie and Flo found the project to be a very pleasant and enjoyable experience.
CROWSNEST PASS REAIT/WRITE IT PROGRAM CROWSNEST PASS
Designer: Pat Buckland Quilter: Trudy Plante
The Crowsnest Pass is historically a coal mining area with a very diverse ethnic population.
Appliqued on a coal black background, the design has our traditional coal miner with his shining carbide lamp illuminating a book representing literacy. He’s also sitting in a coal car – a traditional symbol of the coal mining industry.
As our quilter, Trudy Plante has a background fitting “literacy in the Pass”. Having lived here since she was 5 years old, she was involved as a volunteer librarian in Coleman and as a Board member for the Pass libraries, we can appreciate her interest in reading! As an avid quilter, who also taught quilting courses, she filled the bill when we were looking for a quilter to complete our ILY quilt square.
HILLTOP EDUCATION CENTRE DRUMHELLER PENITENTIARY
Quilter/Designer: Lorraine Foesier
This quilt square was designed and sewn by Lorraine Foesier of Rumsey. Mrs. Foesier has been a volunteer tutor with the literacy program in the Drumheller Penitentiary for four years.
The bar design incorporates the prison setting with the Hilltop Education Centre logo used in the centre.
The “E” of the original logo has been altered to represent three stacked books.
LITERACY COORDINATORS OF ALBERTA
Quilters: Fran Amundsen, Sharon Niemeyer THE WRITE BREAK ADULT LITERACY PROJECT
VULCAN
Quilter/Designer: Lorraine Hagg
After several fruitless hours of thought about what I would like on our quilt square, I decided to ask some others. After church every Sunday, our congregation has fellowship over lunch. One Sunday, I explained my problem to those I was sitting with. We had a discussion about what reading does for people and decided that it opens up the marvels of the world and universe. Then we decided on the design, colours, and fabric. This very thoughtful discussion took five minutes. The quilting was done by Lorraine Hagg, the program’s first tutor and a member at the church.
READING WRITING TUTORING PROJECT
HIGH LEVEL, MEANDER RIVER, PADDLE PRAIRIE
Quilter/Designer: Patronella Moorman, Agnes Juneau, Therese Laverdiere
The Reading & Writing Tutoring Project in high Level operates with Fairview College and the Chinchaga Further Education Council. Our project has programs operating in the town and area of High Level, the Dene Tha’ reserve called Meander River and on the Metis Settlement called Paddle Prairie. The Reading & Writing Tutoring Project has been guided by a Steering Committee composed of tutors, learners, college staff and wide community representation. The Project is now finishing its sixth year. Learners enroll in part-‐time one-‐on-‐one tutoring or they can enroll in Literacy courses as full time students with tutors who have responsibility for a maximum of 4 learners.
PROGRAM FOR ADULT LITERACY SKILLS (PALS) WETASKIWIN CITY AND COUNTY
Designer/Quilter: Dianne Baker
Wetaskiwin, of course, was one of a number of projects that was never quite sure if it would get its quilt square done. We procrastinated so long and thought that we would be too late and then the deadline was extended! Well, then we had to take a plunge and right quick. Charleen Schnick, the Further Education Coordinator had seen the basis of our design on a poster in her son’s room at school. We borrowed from the teacher and then tried to round up a quilter. I thought it was all set to go when our quilter plans fell through. By this stage time was really short, so I decided to attempt it myself. Fortunately the design was quite simple, I had sewn before, and Easter holidays were right around the corner. The wonderful display at the Literacy Conference confirmed that the quilt was a terrific idea.
LEARN BONNYVILLE/FORT KENT
Designer: Lynne KcKishnie Quilter: Madelaine Staples
Quilter/Designer: Lorraine Hagg
After several fruitless hours of thought about what I would like on our quilt square, I decided to ask some others. After church every Sunday, our congregation has fellowship over lunch. One Sunday, I explained my problem to those I was sitting with. We had a discussion about what reading does for people and decided that it opens up the marvels of the world and universe. Then we decided on the design, colours, and fabric. This very thoughtful discussion took five minutes. The quilting was done by Lorraine Hagg, the program’s first tutor and a member at the church.
READING WRITING TUTORING PROJECT
HIGH LEVEL, MEANDER RIVER, PADDLE PRAIRIE
Quilter/Designer: Patronella Moorman, Agnes Juneau, Therese Laverdiere
The Reading & Writing Tutoring Project in high Level operates with Fairview College and the Chinchaga Further Education Council. Our project has programs operating in the town and area of High Level, the Dene Tha’ reserve called Meander River and on the Metis Settlement called Paddle Prairie. The Reading & Writing Tutoring Project has been guided by a Steering Committee composed of tutors, learners, college staff and wide community representation. The Project is now finishing its sixth year. Learners enroll in part-‐time one-‐on-‐one tutoring or they can enroll in Literacy courses as full time students with tutors who have responsibility for a maximum of 4 learners.
PROGRAM FOR ADULT LITERACY SKILLS (PALS) WETASKIWIN CITY AND COUNTY
Designer/Quilter: Dianne Baker
Wetaskiwin, of course, was one of a number of projects that was never quite sure if it would get its quilt square done. We procrastinated so long and thought that we would be too late and then the deadline was extended! Well, then we had to take a plunge and right quick. Charleen Schnick, the Further Education Coordinator had seen the basis of our design on a poster in her son’s room at school. We borrowed from the teacher and then tried to round up a quilter. I thought it was all set to go when our quilter plans fell through. By this stage time was really short, so I decided to attempt it myself. Fortunately the design was quite simple, I had sewn before, and Easter holidays were right around the corner. The wonderful display at the Literacy Conference confirmed that the quilt was a terrific idea.
LEARN BONNYVILLE/FORT KENT
Designer: Lynne KcKishnie Quilter: Madelaine Staples
Lynne, as coordinator of Learn and Madelaine, as president of the Lakeland quilting guild, combinded their efforts for this quilt square. The apple, the way to a teacher’s heart and the heart representing “Heart of the Lakeland” are the main theme. This part of Alberta is also important for oil reserves represented by the derrick, for agriculture and for varied recreational activities that the many lakes afford.
ATHABASCA BASIC LITERACY PROGRAM ATHABASCA
Designer/Quilter: Ann Stiles
When the idea of the Literacy Quilt was first introduced to the Adult Basic Literacy Program (ABL) in Athabasca, Ann Stiles was an ABL board member. Then, a now, Ann’s quilting skills ere legendary in Athabasca. The ABL board, without hesitation, gave the task of designing and making a square for the quilt to her.
Being a quilter, the technical aspects of the piece were important to Ann. For example, it wasn’t known whether or not the square was to be simply pieced or pieced and quilted. There is a saying that goes “A quilt is not a quilt until its quilted”. Eventually everything fell into place and Ann began the task of designing Athabasca’s contribution to the Literacy Quilt.
Her square shows a book, a plume and a bird. The book and plume represent reading and writing and the bird represents the free spirit. To Ann, Literacy meand freedom and the square was designed to promote visually this idea of freedom through reading and writing.
PROJECT READ CLARESHOLM AND DISTRICT
Designer: Lois Rice Quilter: Fern Wiig
Both Fern Wiig and Lois Rice clearly remember sitting at Fern’s dining room table one morning discussing the idea of a literacy quilt. They agreed that Claresholm’s square should both celebrate literacy and represent their town.
Fern’s inspiration was to sketch a view of Claresholm from the east, with its distinctive water tower, hills and grain elevators. The whole could be enclosed in the book portion of the reading logo to show ho important literacy is to this community.
Lois, an accomplished artist, put Fern’s idea to paper there and then. Over the next few days, Fern turned the drawing into the quilt square you see before you. Such skill and willingness is typical of all Project Read’s volunteers.
Although never before directly involved with Claresholm’s adult literacy program, both Fern and Lois are avid readers and have been members of the Claresholm Public Library for years. Fern, in fact, was Chairman of the Library Board when the current facility was funded and built in 1978.
BARRHEAD AND DISTRICT READING AND WRITING PROGRAM BARRHEAD AND DISTRICT
ATHABASCA BASIC LITERACY PROGRAM ATHABASCA
Designer/Quilter: Ann Stiles
When the idea of the Literacy Quilt was first introduced to the Adult Basic Literacy Program (ABL) in Athabasca, Ann Stiles was an ABL board member. Then, a now, Ann’s quilting skills ere legendary in Athabasca. The ABL board, without hesitation, gave the task of designing and making a square for the quilt to her.
Being a quilter, the technical aspects of the piece were important to Ann. For example, it wasn’t known whether or not the square was to be simply pieced or pieced and quilted. There is a saying that goes “A quilt is not a quilt until its quilted”. Eventually everything fell into place and Ann began the task of designing Athabasca’s contribution to the Literacy Quilt.
Her square shows a book, a plume and a bird. The book and plume represent reading and writing and the bird represents the free spirit. To Ann, Literacy meand freedom and the square was designed to promote visually this idea of freedom through reading and writing.
PROJECT READ CLARESHOLM AND DISTRICT
Designer: Lois Rice Quilter: Fern Wiig
Both Fern Wiig and Lois Rice clearly remember sitting at Fern’s dining room table one morning discussing the idea of a literacy quilt. They agreed that Claresholm’s square should both celebrate literacy and represent their town.
Fern’s inspiration was to sketch a view of Claresholm from the east, with its distinctive water tower, hills and grain elevators. The whole could be enclosed in the book portion of the reading logo to show ho important literacy is to this community.
Lois, an accomplished artist, put Fern’s idea to paper there and then. Over the next few days, Fern turned the drawing into the quilt square you see before you. Such skill and willingness is typical of all Project Read’s volunteers.
Although never before directly involved with Claresholm’s adult literacy program, both Fern and Lois are avid readers and have been members of the Claresholm Public Library for years. Fern, in fact, was Chairman of the Library Board when the current facility was funded and built in 1978.
BARRHEAD AND DISTRICT READING AND WRITING PROGRAM BARRHEAD AND DISTRICT
Designer/Quilter: Lydia Bobke
It’s been said that in a small town everyone knows everyone else’s business. I guess that’s why Lydia Bobke’s name came up when our program was searching for someone to make a quilt piece for the Literacy Quilt. Lydia’s talents are well known in our area.
“Family first and then for sale,” she told me when I visited her a year later to find out how and why she made quilts. Each of her five grown children has taken at least one of her quilts with them when they left home.
I asked her if she agreed to make the quilt piece because her friend is enrolled in our program. “No”, she said, “I knew about the reading program but I just think that everybody should have the privilege of being able to read. I was proud to be involved in it”. After being contacted to see if she as interested in making the quilt piece, Lydia had a few days “thinking time” and then sat down on Good Friday to make the design. On our visit, we looked at more of her quilt pieces and at pictures of quilts she had given to other people. I saw a lot of quilts but I never did see any that she had made for profit. As I was leaving, I thanked her again. “Ah, it was just a patch,” she replied.
WRITE BREAK ADULT TUTORING PROJECT TABER
Designer/Quilter: Diana McKenna
The designer and quilter of this block is Diana McKenna who was working as a secretary for the Taber literacy project. Her skills were put to good use as the first block she had completed was lost during a move after being displayed on its own at a fair.
The doves on the block represent the “freedom” one feels once they have learned to read. The world represents “International Literacy Year” and our goal of “world Literacy”. The sun and bright colours represent how reading can “enlighten our lives.
PROJECT READ SOON
COUNTY OF MOUNTAIN VIEW, OLDS, SUNDRE, DIDSBURY, CARSTAIRS, CREMONA
Designer: Ida Stanley-‐Tober
Quilter: Betty Vorachek, Diane Stretch-‐Strang
Betty had done a wonderful job of creating a quilt patch qith a sun and a flower on a nice bright background. As a designer, Ida wanted to make sure wehad mountains in our patch design and also the names of the communities on the patch. Diane was then asked to add those items, as Betty was on holidays.
The finished product is quite attractive and a great example of cooperative action. The mountains represent our beautiful world and area, but also the tough struggle non-‐readers have in our world.
It’s been said that in a small town everyone knows everyone else’s business. I guess that’s why Lydia Bobke’s name came up when our program was searching for someone to make a quilt piece for the Literacy Quilt. Lydia’s talents are well known in our area.
“Family first and then for sale,” she told me when I visited her a year later to find out how and why she made quilts. Each of her five grown children has taken at least one of her quilts with them when they left home.
I asked her if she agreed to make the quilt piece because her friend is enrolled in our program. “No”, she said, “I knew about the reading program but I just think that everybody should have the privilege of being able to read. I was proud to be involved in it”. After being contacted to see if she as interested in making the quilt piece, Lydia had a few days “thinking time” and then sat down on Good Friday to make the design. On our visit, we looked at more of her quilt pieces and at pictures of quilts she had given to other people. I saw a lot of quilts but I never did see any that she had made for profit. As I was leaving, I thanked her again. “Ah, it was just a patch,” she replied.
WRITE BREAK ADULT TUTORING PROJECT TABER
Designer/Quilter: Diana McKenna
The designer and quilter of this block is Diana McKenna who was working as a secretary for the Taber literacy project. Her skills were put to good use as the first block she had completed was lost during a move after being displayed on its own at a fair.
The doves on the block represent the “freedom” one feels once they have learned to read. The world represents “International Literacy Year” and our goal of “world Literacy”. The sun and bright colours represent how reading can “enlighten our lives.
PROJECT READ SOON
COUNTY OF MOUNTAIN VIEW, OLDS, SUNDRE, DIDSBURY, CARSTAIRS, CREMONA
Designer: Ida Stanley-‐Tober
Quilter: Betty Vorachek, Diane Stretch-‐Strang
Betty had done a wonderful job of creating a quilt patch qith a sun and a flower on a nice bright background. As a designer, Ida wanted to make sure wehad mountains in our patch design and also the names of the communities on the patch. Diane was then asked to add those items, as Betty was on holidays.
The finished product is quite attractive and a great example of cooperative action. The mountains represent our beautiful world and area, but also the tough struggle non-‐readers have in our world.
The flower and sunshine represent how much better the world is for readers, but also that we need each other to make this world a better place. The flower needs the sun, but is worhty of praise in and of itself.
LEARN WAINWRIGHT
Designer/Quilter: Colleen Watts
At the time our Wainwright LEARN quilt block was born, designer Colleen Watts was instructing a nurses’ refresher course at Lakeland College. She had recently purchased a fabric shop in Wainwright and offered quilting and sewing workshops as evening and weekend courses. Who better to do our quilt block?
Colleen asked literacy coordinator, Marsha Scribner, to select a suitable pattern from a multitiude of quilting books. The pinwheel design was chosen to symbolize the many directions learning can lead. Blue arrows indicate escape to freedom that literacy offers.
We’re proud to be represented on this special quilt during Literacy Decade and appreciate all the literacy projects’ participation.
ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM WESTLOCK AND DISTRICT
Designer/Quilter: Audrey Wiedrick Intertwining of two skills into one.
ADULT BASIC LITERACY EDUCATION PROGRAM CALGARY
Designer/Quilter: Jean Hamel/Myrna Horak
The square of our quilt was designed and made by two of the teachers in Further Education Services’ Adult Basic Literacy Education program. We decided to use our Calgary Catholic School Board logo to show that we are part of a large educational community.
The double block pattern within the logo is a stylized book-‐ a universal symbol of learning. The logo also symbolizes our unity and diversity and our collective striving to realize our potential.
We felt that this was an effective way to demonstrate our commitment to education and to literacy.
LEARN ST. PAUL
Designer/Quilter: Edith Mitchell
As soon as Edith heard about the International Literacy Year Quilt, she knew she wanted to be a part of it. The design for her square “just came to her”-‐ as soon as the quilt was mentioned to her she “knew what the square would look like.” Edith
LEARN WAINWRIGHT
Designer/Quilter: Colleen Watts
At the time our Wainwright LEARN quilt block was born, designer Colleen Watts was instructing a nurses’ refresher course at Lakeland College. She had recently purchased a fabric shop in Wainwright and offered quilting and sewing workshops as evening and weekend courses. Who better to do our quilt block?
Colleen asked literacy coordinator, Marsha Scribner, to select a suitable pattern from a multitiude of quilting books. The pinwheel design was chosen to symbolize the many directions learning can lead. Blue arrows indicate escape to freedom that literacy offers.
We’re proud to be represented on this special quilt during Literacy Decade and appreciate all the literacy projects’ participation.
ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM WESTLOCK AND DISTRICT
Designer/Quilter: Audrey Wiedrick Intertwining of two skills into one.
ADULT BASIC LITERACY EDUCATION PROGRAM CALGARY
Designer/Quilter: Jean Hamel/Myrna Horak
The square of our quilt was designed and made by two of the teachers in Further Education Services’ Adult Basic Literacy Education program. We decided to use our Calgary Catholic School Board logo to show that we are part of a large educational community.
The double block pattern within the logo is a stylized book-‐ a universal symbol of learning. The logo also symbolizes our unity and diversity and our collective striving to realize our potential.
We felt that this was an effective way to demonstrate our commitment to education and to literacy.
LEARN ST. PAUL
Designer/Quilter: Edith Mitchell
As soon as Edith heard about the International Literacy Year Quilt, she knew she wanted to be a part of it. The design for her square “just came to her”-‐ as soon as the quilt was mentioned to her she “knew what the square would look like.” Edith
believes that learning is the road to success and that is what her square portrays. Not only did she make a square for the quilt, she also quilted a “dublicate” measuring at least 24” x 36”. It was proudly displayed in the Elk Point Public Library during International Literacy Year. Her literacy student now possesses her work of art.
Edith is the type of individual that touches others’ lives and makes them feel they are a better person for having met her. She has been a foster parent for 24 children, teaches quilting and is a long time volunteer tutor for LEARN. She said, “Over the years I have had to give up many things-‐ but there is one thing I won’t give up and that is Barry, my LEARN student”.
1990 INTERNATIONAL LITERACY YEAR LOGO
Designer: Kohichi Imakita
Quilters: Fran Amundsen/Sharon Niemeyer
The above logo appears frequently in the quilt squares.
Each literacy project that participated in the quilt (51 are represented) was asked to provide a square on 100% cotton measuring 12.5 x 12.5 inches. Those being the only restrictions to the design, there was a very diverse group of squares submitted. The two unifying design elements are the literacy logo previously mentioned and the ILY logo for 1990.
ADULT BASIC LITERACY EDUCATION (ABLE) OYEN AND DISTRICT
Designer: Fern Derie Quilter: Connie Bosch
Motherhood has been the best of all my jobs. I can never forget the warm and wonderful feeling reading to and with my two wonderful daughters, Lena and Donna. This made it very easy to generate our uni-‐sex stylized reading person cradling child and book with the obvious mutual satisfaction. A traditional Southwest American Indian design is the Storyteller always depicted in all mediums with an open, rounded mouth and this was adopted for our design.
The handstitched quilting technique used by Connie is called invisible applique. Connie, an avid award winning machine quilter, had just taken a course on invisible applique in Lethbridge and decided to make her first project of it our literacy quilt square (and we’re happy she did). It has been the only piece that she has done with this particular method as her projects are typically much larger.
The outcome is a representation void of details, simple in design but heavy on feeling. Thanks for the opportunity of being a part of such a great project.
ADULT LEARNING CONNECTION SPIRIT RIVER
Designer/Quilter: Central Peace Further Education Council
Edith is the type of individual that touches others’ lives and makes them feel they are a better person for having met her. She has been a foster parent for 24 children, teaches quilting and is a long time volunteer tutor for LEARN. She said, “Over the years I have had to give up many things-‐ but there is one thing I won’t give up and that is Barry, my LEARN student”.
1990 INTERNATIONAL LITERACY YEAR LOGO
Designer: Kohichi Imakita
Quilters: Fran Amundsen/Sharon Niemeyer
The above logo appears frequently in the quilt squares.
Each literacy project that participated in the quilt (51 are represented) was asked to provide a square on 100% cotton measuring 12.5 x 12.5 inches. Those being the only restrictions to the design, there was a very diverse group of squares submitted. The two unifying design elements are the literacy logo previously mentioned and the ILY logo for 1990.
ADULT BASIC LITERACY EDUCATION (ABLE) OYEN AND DISTRICT
Designer: Fern Derie Quilter: Connie Bosch
Motherhood has been the best of all my jobs. I can never forget the warm and wonderful feeling reading to and with my two wonderful daughters, Lena and Donna. This made it very easy to generate our uni-‐sex stylized reading person cradling child and book with the obvious mutual satisfaction. A traditional Southwest American Indian design is the Storyteller always depicted in all mediums with an open, rounded mouth and this was adopted for our design.
The handstitched quilting technique used by Connie is called invisible applique. Connie, an avid award winning machine quilter, had just taken a course on invisible applique in Lethbridge and decided to make her first project of it our literacy quilt square (and we’re happy she did). It has been the only piece that she has done with this particular method as her projects are typically much larger.
The outcome is a representation void of details, simple in design but heavy on feeling. Thanks for the opportunity of being a part of such a great project.
ADULT LEARNING CONNECTION SPIRIT RIVER
Designer/Quilter: Central Peace Further Education Council
Literacy on the march is the teme of this quilt square, the clouds depicting footprints.
Our community is over 75% dependent on agriculture, therefore, the grain elevators with the names of our two largest centres.
COUNTY OF LETHBRIDGE ADULT LITERACY PROJECT COUNTY OF LETHBRIDGE
Designer/Quilter: Sharley Sheridan
The County of Lethbridge Adult Literacy Project began in early 1989 as the result of a needs assessment done the previous fall on behalf of the County of Lethbridge Further Education Council. The program serves a large area (11000 sq. miles) which includes more than 10000 county residents.
Sharley Sheridan, a volunteer area rep and the coucil’s chairperson at that time, offered to both design and make the quilt square. In designing the square, we hoped to promote the idea that a volunteer tutoring program can be a means of empowering individuals with the skill of reading. Thus, “the pen is mightier than the sword”.
CAMROSE ADULT READ & WRITE PROGRAM CAMROSE
Designer/Quilter: Deborah Martin
The Camrose Adult Read and Write Program was established in the fall of 1986 to offer instruction and support to adults wishing to improve their literacy skills. Since that time, the corrdinators and volunteer tutors who work with the program have brought and continue to bring, hope and new understanding into the lives of many people.
The quilt square was designed with the literacy symbol rising with the sun to illustrate the belief that literacy, for all people, is on the horizon.
AWARE CARDSTON
Designer/Quilter: Shirley Gibb
Formal application to establish an adult literacy project in the Cardston School Division was made in January, 1988. The program was in operation several months prior to receiving final grant approval from Advanced Education. We have grown steadily each year. The official name of the project is “AWARE”, an acronym for “Adult Writing, Arithmetic, and Reading Education”.
Our area begins in the foothills in the south-‐western corner of Alberta. Old Chief Mountain, located in the majestic Rocky Mountain Range stands predominatnly to the west of us. Farming and ranching are evident throughout the region. An accomplished local quilter, Shirley Gibb, designed and pieced our square depicting our area’s landscape. Sunrise (new beginnings) and sunset (faith in a better tomorrow) colors were selected to convey hope in the future. The future is cradled
Our community is over 75% dependent on agriculture, therefore, the grain elevators with the names of our two largest centres.
COUNTY OF LETHBRIDGE ADULT LITERACY PROJECT COUNTY OF LETHBRIDGE
Designer/Quilter: Sharley Sheridan
The County of Lethbridge Adult Literacy Project began in early 1989 as the result of a needs assessment done the previous fall on behalf of the County of Lethbridge Further Education Council. The program serves a large area (11000 sq. miles) which includes more than 10000 county residents.
Sharley Sheridan, a volunteer area rep and the coucil’s chairperson at that time, offered to both design and make the quilt square. In designing the square, we hoped to promote the idea that a volunteer tutoring program can be a means of empowering individuals with the skill of reading. Thus, “the pen is mightier than the sword”.
CAMROSE ADULT READ & WRITE PROGRAM CAMROSE
Designer/Quilter: Deborah Martin
The Camrose Adult Read and Write Program was established in the fall of 1986 to offer instruction and support to adults wishing to improve their literacy skills. Since that time, the corrdinators and volunteer tutors who work with the program have brought and continue to bring, hope and new understanding into the lives of many people.
The quilt square was designed with the literacy symbol rising with the sun to illustrate the belief that literacy, for all people, is on the horizon.
AWARE CARDSTON
Designer/Quilter: Shirley Gibb
Formal application to establish an adult literacy project in the Cardston School Division was made in January, 1988. The program was in operation several months prior to receiving final grant approval from Advanced Education. We have grown steadily each year. The official name of the project is “AWARE”, an acronym for “Adult Writing, Arithmetic, and Reading Education”.
Our area begins in the foothills in the south-‐western corner of Alberta. Old Chief Mountain, located in the majestic Rocky Mountain Range stands predominatnly to the west of us. Farming and ranching are evident throughout the region. An accomplished local quilter, Shirley Gibb, designed and pieced our square depicting our area’s landscape. Sunrise (new beginnings) and sunset (faith in a better tomorrow) colors were selected to convey hope in the future. The future is cradled
in an open book. The word “Aware” not only refers to the project’s name, but suggests the necessity of educating the public concerning the problems and solutions that need to be addressed in literacy.
ESL LEARNING CENTER LETHBRIDGE
Designer/Quilter: Phyllis Cameron
Design for this quilt square was arrived at after a discussion between Jean Phelps who administers the volunteer tutor component for ESL at Lethbridge Community College and Phyllis Cameron who has ben quilting is Lethbridge for 14 years. The appliqued square is a combination of the literacy symbol and the High Level bridge (a symbol of Lethbridge) using red, black and white – the colours of the Alberta Association for Adult Literacy.
SWAN HILLS LITERACY PROGRAM SWAN HILLS
Designer/Quilter: Janey Akey
During a talk on the local Catholic Womens’ League, the idea for our quilt square came about. We were speaking on how to make reading a habit in your home.
Several of the women had commented on favorite spots to curl up with a book, one lady said that her favorite place was by a fire when camping, so the idea was struck! Swan Hills is located about 220 km north and west of Edmonton. We are a small isolated resource town in the wilderness and have a large grizzly population in the bush surrounding town. Our town logo is a grizzly bear. Perfect!
With the dealine fast approaching-‐ only a week away-‐ there was a mad scramble to find some suitable material (no one sells material in town) and borrow a sewing machine. You can imagine the comments on my job description when caught with a sewing machine at my desk! Well, several late nights and several bandaged fingers later, it was complete.
We feel very honored having our town represented in such a worthwhile project. Congratulations! The quilt looks fabulous.
RED DEER COLLEGE VOLUNTEER TUTOR BANK RED DEER
Designer/Quilter: Kathy Rideout
The Red Deer square depicts the Literacy symbol worked in reverse applique. The border of the square is worked in the three Red Deer College colors, using a log cabin design. Designer, Kathy Rideout, is a quilt enthusiast who enjoys trying all quilting techniques, preferring smaller projects that can be completed in her lifetime! She always has a quilting project on the go, the reason according to husband Keith, that they only have 2 children!
DRUMHELLER & DISTRICT LITERACY PROJECT
ESL LEARNING CENTER LETHBRIDGE
Designer/Quilter: Phyllis Cameron
Design for this quilt square was arrived at after a discussion between Jean Phelps who administers the volunteer tutor component for ESL at Lethbridge Community College and Phyllis Cameron who has ben quilting is Lethbridge for 14 years. The appliqued square is a combination of the literacy symbol and the High Level bridge (a symbol of Lethbridge) using red, black and white – the colours of the Alberta Association for Adult Literacy.
SWAN HILLS LITERACY PROGRAM SWAN HILLS
Designer/Quilter: Janey Akey
During a talk on the local Catholic Womens’ League, the idea for our quilt square came about. We were speaking on how to make reading a habit in your home.
Several of the women had commented on favorite spots to curl up with a book, one lady said that her favorite place was by a fire when camping, so the idea was struck! Swan Hills is located about 220 km north and west of Edmonton. We are a small isolated resource town in the wilderness and have a large grizzly population in the bush surrounding town. Our town logo is a grizzly bear. Perfect!
With the dealine fast approaching-‐ only a week away-‐ there was a mad scramble to find some suitable material (no one sells material in town) and borrow a sewing machine. You can imagine the comments on my job description when caught with a sewing machine at my desk! Well, several late nights and several bandaged fingers later, it was complete.
We feel very honored having our town represented in such a worthwhile project. Congratulations! The quilt looks fabulous.
RED DEER COLLEGE VOLUNTEER TUTOR BANK RED DEER
Designer/Quilter: Kathy Rideout
The Red Deer square depicts the Literacy symbol worked in reverse applique. The border of the square is worked in the three Red Deer College colors, using a log cabin design. Designer, Kathy Rideout, is a quilt enthusiast who enjoys trying all quilting techniques, preferring smaller projects that can be completed in her lifetime! She always has a quilting project on the go, the reason according to husband Keith, that they only have 2 children!
DRUMHELLER & DISTRICT LITERACY PROJECT
DRUMHELLER
Designer/Quilter: May Thompson
The Drumheller & District quilt square was designed and sewn by May Thompson. Mrs. Thompson is an experienced sewer and quilter, and lives in Hussar, a small community in the Drumheller area. She was asked to do this square for the ILY quilt because the local coordinator, her niece, knew her skills and background.
The ideas in this quilt square combine two important aspects of Mrs. Thompson’s life – reading and handwork. Mrs. Thompson, a former teacher, has always stressed the importance of reading to her children and grandchildren. The design for the quilt square was an adaptation of a picture found in one of her children’s favorite books, entitled “I Want to Read”. The materials used were part of a collection of fabric remnants from other quilts and sewing projects. Mrs. Thompson enjoys sewing and feels that handmade items have special value.
The quilt square was designed to show the simple pleasures of reading.
THE LEARNING CENTRE EDMONTON
Designer: Sister Aline Roulston Quilter: Sister Mary Ell
The significance of the tall purple strips represent Canada Place, in the Inner City of Edmonton, where we are located.
The 1990 Interantional Literacy Year logo is in the centre of the square. Our computer represents the Publishing Club, which was launched in 1989. Knowledge and work come from books, and books are read for pleasure.
TLC is for The Learning Centre, and for many people here, it stands for tender loving care.
The basic design is by tutor Sister Aline Roulston, with a couple of additions by students, Chrsitine and Violet; the square was sewn by tutor Sister Mary Ell.
COUNTY OF LACOMBE LITERACY PROGRAM LACOMBE
Designer/Quilter: Patricia Silver
Thank goodness for volunteers with the enthusiasm and dedication of Patricia Silver-‐ the designer and quilter of Reader with Alberta Wild Rose. Patricia, a resource librarian with Parkland Regional Library, tutors for the County of Lacombe Adult Literacy Program. Her commitment to literacy and her quilting expertise made her the ideal candidate to create our program’s contribution to the ILY quilt.
Reader with Alberta Wild Rose represents any Albertan who is now able to read because of the efforts of people within literacy projects. Thank you, Patricia!
ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Designer: Bunty Dyer
Designer/Quilter: May Thompson
The Drumheller & District quilt square was designed and sewn by May Thompson. Mrs. Thompson is an experienced sewer and quilter, and lives in Hussar, a small community in the Drumheller area. She was asked to do this square for the ILY quilt because the local coordinator, her niece, knew her skills and background.
The ideas in this quilt square combine two important aspects of Mrs. Thompson’s life – reading and handwork. Mrs. Thompson, a former teacher, has always stressed the importance of reading to her children and grandchildren. The design for the quilt square was an adaptation of a picture found in one of her children’s favorite books, entitled “I Want to Read”. The materials used were part of a collection of fabric remnants from other quilts and sewing projects. Mrs. Thompson enjoys sewing and feels that handmade items have special value.
The quilt square was designed to show the simple pleasures of reading.
THE LEARNING CENTRE EDMONTON
Designer: Sister Aline Roulston Quilter: Sister Mary Ell
The significance of the tall purple strips represent Canada Place, in the Inner City of Edmonton, where we are located.
The 1990 Interantional Literacy Year logo is in the centre of the square. Our computer represents the Publishing Club, which was launched in 1989. Knowledge and work come from books, and books are read for pleasure.
TLC is for The Learning Centre, and for many people here, it stands for tender loving care.
The basic design is by tutor Sister Aline Roulston, with a couple of additions by students, Chrsitine and Violet; the square was sewn by tutor Sister Mary Ell.
COUNTY OF LACOMBE LITERACY PROGRAM LACOMBE
Designer/Quilter: Patricia Silver
Thank goodness for volunteers with the enthusiasm and dedication of Patricia Silver-‐ the designer and quilter of Reader with Alberta Wild Rose. Patricia, a resource librarian with Parkland Regional Library, tutors for the County of Lacombe Adult Literacy Program. Her commitment to literacy and her quilting expertise made her the ideal candidate to create our program’s contribution to the ILY quilt.
Reader with Alberta Wild Rose represents any Albertan who is now able to read because of the efforts of people within literacy projects. Thank you, Patricia!
ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Designer: Bunty Dyer
Quilter: Deanna Friesen
We were honored to be chosen to design and sew a block for the 1990 ILY quilt. First, we talked about what it meant to us to be able to read. We both LOVE to read!! Without any hesitation we agreed that reading gave us NEW HORIZONS with variety, colour and interesting experinces. Also, it opens the door to constantly changing and new things in our lives. So… the rainbow of colours depicts how we feel about the effect literacy has on our lives.
The fabric came from our “quilters grabbag” which we then cut, sewed and applique to the pure cotton background.
P.S. These two dedicated ladies spent a lovely morning quilting at the Frank Slide interpretive Centre.
WRITE START LITERACY FOX CREEK
Designer/Quilter: Stephanie Hansen
The books at the top of the square are sewn from velvets, satins and silks. At one time, known as the “Fabrics of Kings”, these were only available to an elite group. Years ago, reading and writing were not available to everyone. Common people could not afford the time or money to gain this knowledge. Thankfully, progress stepped in and today this knowledge is available free of charge to anyone and everyone who yearns to read.
Like the “Fabrics of Kings”, we find reading to be the “Fabric of Lives”.
….(?) to ask and that was for me to take a picture of the square. Well, I was already past the deadline, and in my rush to get the square sent out, I forgot to take the picture.
The books on the shelf at the top of the square and the open book in the centre are made of rich velvets, tapestries, satins and silks – just as books provide a rich treasure of reading materials.
INTERCHANGE CALGARY
Designer/Quilter: Ann Semple
HELP! The cry could be heard by all literacy volunteers at Alberta Vocational College. As coordinator of volunteers and a non-‐quilter, I was in a panic to partticipate – but not to personally produce the quilt square.
Ann Semple came to my rescue and to represent our program. Interchange is a basic literacy program which offers volunteers an opportunity to work with adults who are beginning readers and writers. Ann volunteers for Interchange. As a communications writer and mother of two, Ann believes that life-‐long learning and literacy development are basic rights of every individual.
LAKELAND COLLEGE TRI TOWN LEARN COLD LAKE, GRAND CENTRE, MEDLEY
We were honored to be chosen to design and sew a block for the 1990 ILY quilt. First, we talked about what it meant to us to be able to read. We both LOVE to read!! Without any hesitation we agreed that reading gave us NEW HORIZONS with variety, colour and interesting experinces. Also, it opens the door to constantly changing and new things in our lives. So… the rainbow of colours depicts how we feel about the effect literacy has on our lives.
The fabric came from our “quilters grabbag” which we then cut, sewed and applique to the pure cotton background.
P.S. These two dedicated ladies spent a lovely morning quilting at the Frank Slide interpretive Centre.
WRITE START LITERACY FOX CREEK
Designer/Quilter: Stephanie Hansen
The books at the top of the square are sewn from velvets, satins and silks. At one time, known as the “Fabrics of Kings”, these were only available to an elite group. Years ago, reading and writing were not available to everyone. Common people could not afford the time or money to gain this knowledge. Thankfully, progress stepped in and today this knowledge is available free of charge to anyone and everyone who yearns to read.
Like the “Fabrics of Kings”, we find reading to be the “Fabric of Lives”.
….(?) to ask and that was for me to take a picture of the square. Well, I was already past the deadline, and in my rush to get the square sent out, I forgot to take the picture.
The books on the shelf at the top of the square and the open book in the centre are made of rich velvets, tapestries, satins and silks – just as books provide a rich treasure of reading materials.
INTERCHANGE CALGARY
Designer/Quilter: Ann Semple
HELP! The cry could be heard by all literacy volunteers at Alberta Vocational College. As coordinator of volunteers and a non-‐quilter, I was in a panic to partticipate – but not to personally produce the quilt square.
Ann Semple came to my rescue and to represent our program. Interchange is a basic literacy program which offers volunteers an opportunity to work with adults who are beginning readers and writers. Ann volunteers for Interchange. As a communications writer and mother of two, Ann believes that life-‐long learning and literacy development are basic rights of every individual.
LAKELAND COLLEGE TRI TOWN LEARN COLD LAKE, GRAND CENTRE, MEDLEY
Designer: Heather Mannix Quilter: Gwen Anderson
Two friends, Heather Mannix, a commercial artist, and Gwen Anderson a professional quilter, combined their talents to design this block for the literacy quilt. They both believed that learning to read is a new beginning, the awakening to anew day, and so they chose to place the learn symbol on a rising sun.
New plans call for presenting a bib with this design on it to the local baby born closest to International Literacy Day. It is hoped that this idea will keep literacy an ongoing quest.
THE WRITE BREAK ADULT TUTORING PROJECT COUNTIES OF FORTY MILE AND WARNER
Designer/Quilter: Brenda Stryker
This first attempt at designing quilt squares for the County of Forty Mile and the County of Warner included individual designs for each area. The County of Forty Mile was to be represented by a Pronghorn head and the County of Warner by a Dinosaur to represent the reent dinosaur egg find. Both blocks were planned on paper, but, because of time commitments and other roadblocks, the blocks did not materialize. As the deadline drew near, we were told there was room for only one more block in the quilt and, if we wanted a place in the quilt, we must hurry. So hurry we did. A new block was designed, combining the two counties. “Necessity is the Mother of Invention”, and this block was invented out of desperation. The quilt was an important project and we wanted to be a part of it. We are so pleased that we are – even if it is one block instead of two.
ADULT LITERACY PROJECT OF THE COUNTY OF RED DEER FURTHER EDUCATION COUNCIL
COUNTY OF RED DEER
Designer/Quilter: Joan Roberts
Our project befan in October 1989 with funding from Alberta Advanced Education. It serves all residents of the County of Red Deer including the communities of Bowden, Spruce View, Benalto, Sylvan Lake, Penhold, Delburne, Elnora and Innisfail. It serves the needs of Adult Literacy Students and Students learning English as their second language. The office is located in the Innisfail Library Building.
The quilt was designed and sewn by Joan Roberts of Elnora, Alberta. Joan has been an avid quilter for many years and has been involved annuallly with the Canada Packers Quilt Competition.
The little schoolhouse at the center of our square depicts the center and beginning of our learning that is now being furthered by our wonderful group of volunteer tutors and their keen students. Learning for all of us keeps growing throughout our lives just like the lines keep multiplying on our quilt square.
Two friends, Heather Mannix, a commercial artist, and Gwen Anderson a professional quilter, combined their talents to design this block for the literacy quilt. They both believed that learning to read is a new beginning, the awakening to anew day, and so they chose to place the learn symbol on a rising sun.
New plans call for presenting a bib with this design on it to the local baby born closest to International Literacy Day. It is hoped that this idea will keep literacy an ongoing quest.
THE WRITE BREAK ADULT TUTORING PROJECT COUNTIES OF FORTY MILE AND WARNER
Designer/Quilter: Brenda Stryker
This first attempt at designing quilt squares for the County of Forty Mile and the County of Warner included individual designs for each area. The County of Forty Mile was to be represented by a Pronghorn head and the County of Warner by a Dinosaur to represent the reent dinosaur egg find. Both blocks were planned on paper, but, because of time commitments and other roadblocks, the blocks did not materialize. As the deadline drew near, we were told there was room for only one more block in the quilt and, if we wanted a place in the quilt, we must hurry. So hurry we did. A new block was designed, combining the two counties. “Necessity is the Mother of Invention”, and this block was invented out of desperation. The quilt was an important project and we wanted to be a part of it. We are so pleased that we are – even if it is one block instead of two.
ADULT LITERACY PROJECT OF THE COUNTY OF RED DEER FURTHER EDUCATION COUNCIL
COUNTY OF RED DEER
Designer/Quilter: Joan Roberts
Our project befan in October 1989 with funding from Alberta Advanced Education. It serves all residents of the County of Red Deer including the communities of Bowden, Spruce View, Benalto, Sylvan Lake, Penhold, Delburne, Elnora and Innisfail. It serves the needs of Adult Literacy Students and Students learning English as their second language. The office is located in the Innisfail Library Building.
The quilt was designed and sewn by Joan Roberts of Elnora, Alberta. Joan has been an avid quilter for many years and has been involved annuallly with the Canada Packers Quilt Competition.
The little schoolhouse at the center of our square depicts the center and beginning of our learning that is now being furthered by our wonderful group of volunteer tutors and their keen students. Learning for all of us keeps growing throughout our lives just like the lines keep multiplying on our quilt square.
WRITE SOON LITERACY PROJECT
WHITECOURT, I.D. #15 COUNTY OF LAC STE. ANNE
Designer/Quilter: Karen Manweiler
I read about the ILY quilt in an LCA newsletter soon after I started my new job as a Literacy Coordinator. An elderly neighbour had recently taught me how to quilt. I was interested, however, the deadline was only a couple of weeks away. With all my new duties I decided I didn’t have the time. The following month there was another article and another deadline, but again the time was nearly up and I thought, “oh well, nice idea, but I don’t have enough time.” Then I attended a meeting/workshop (can’t remember which) and Pat Buckland mentioned there were not many squares in and the deadline would have to be changed again. Several of us suggested a longer time frame and she agreed. With that I scurried home and stole a little piece of material from my daughter’s new quilt (that still isn’t finished), did some stitching, stuffing and embroidering and my square was done! Nothing to it and it took no time at all!
READ/WRITE PROJECT PINCHER CREEK
Designer: Eileen McGlynn Quilter: Ruth Poettker
The Pincher Creek Quilt Block originated with the “Pinchers” from which our town got its name. Two old traders were riding through the creek in the 1840s and they found a pair of rusty pliers or “pinchers”. They claled the spot Pincher Creek. Nearly 150 years later the International Literacy Logo has compelented the very same design of the handles of the pinxhers, and we replaced the United Nations laurel leaves with wheat heads. The chinook arch, mountains, foothills and plains are all part of our beautiful south-‐western Alberta. The name of our adult literacy project, begun in 1984, completes the design.
The quilt was designed by Eileen McGlynn, one of the Project’s Advisory Committee Members and was stitched by Ruth Poettker, a tutor with the Project.
A.B.L.E. BROOKS
Designer/Quilter: Cecile Hellmer
Quilters can be hard to come by. They are busy people with big projects of their own on the go. Cecile Hellmer is no exception. She is a farmwife and mother of five. When Cecile was asked to do the Brooks quilt square, however, she didn’t hesitate. She added the challenge of making the piece to her already formidable list of “things to do”.
The Brooks quilt piece represents many facets of our rural prairie life. The pheasant is the official bird of Brooks and the wheat fields represent the Brooks farmers. The wild rose of Alberta and the reading man symbol speak of the literacy movement within our province. The Brooks letters have been made in blue to represent our Eastern Irrigation District, where “Water Works Wonders”.
Our sincere thanks to Cecile. We are proud to have her talents represent Brooks on the provincial LCA International Literacy Year Quilt.
LEARN LLOYDMINSTER
Designer/Quilter: Bea Summers-‐Gill
One afternoon over coffee Rose Brassard and Bea Summers-‐Gill were talking about the unique qualities of Lloydminster. The slogan, “Make a break for the border”, kept coming up in the conversation. So, combining the symbols and colours of LEARN with those of our local tourist industry, a square was designed. Bea has moved to British Columbia, but we have a piece of her creative talent forever.
V.A.L.I.D. VALLEYVIEW
Designer/Quilter: Belle Hanson
The creator of V.A.L.I.D.’s quilt square is Belle Hanson. She is now 86 years old and came to Canada in 1926 from Norway. In 1930 she moved to Valleyview where she married. Sewing and quilting were a necessary part of her pioneer life. In her senior years Belle became a member of Valleyview’s Sun Valley Pioneers. As part of this group, the quilting continued as a pastime and fund raising activity. When the group was contacted about submitting a quilt block, they suggested Belle and she agreed to do the block. Because of the importance of the coming year she chose the ILY Logo for her block. Belle has contributed a great deal to this community over the past 60 years and it is fitting htat she provides the representation for this provincial project.
COMMUNITY READING PROJECT SLAVE LAKE
Quilters: Clare Marconi/Sharon Niemeyer
Karen Christianson, coordinator of the Slave Lake literacy project, was quite pregnant at the beginning of the efforts to put the literacy quilt together. Being exhuasted and stuck in Edmonton and wanting very much to participate in the project, she was quite receptive to having someone else provide the input. When Clare Marconi in the Crowsnest Pass was approached about appliqueing the Slave Lake design supplied by Karen and the cotton colours to do it, she said, “No, this needs something zippier!” At this point you’ll agree the lustrous satin adds to the
Our sincere thanks to Cecile. We are proud to have her talents represent Brooks on the provincial LCA International Literacy Year Quilt.
LEARN LLOYDMINSTER
Designer/Quilter: Bea Summers-‐Gill
One afternoon over coffee Rose Brassard and Bea Summers-‐Gill were talking about the unique qualities of Lloydminster. The slogan, “Make a break for the border”, kept coming up in the conversation. So, combining the symbols and colours of LEARN with those of our local tourist industry, a square was designed. Bea has moved to British Columbia, but we have a piece of her creative talent forever.
V.A.L.I.D. VALLEYVIEW
Designer/Quilter: Belle Hanson
The creator of V.A.L.I.D.’s quilt square is Belle Hanson. She is now 86 years old and came to Canada in 1926 from Norway. In 1930 she moved to Valleyview where she married. Sewing and quilting were a necessary part of her pioneer life. In her senior years Belle became a member of Valleyview’s Sun Valley Pioneers. As part of this group, the quilting continued as a pastime and fund raising activity. When the group was contacted about submitting a quilt block, they suggested Belle and she agreed to do the block. Because of the importance of the coming year she chose the ILY Logo for her block. Belle has contributed a great deal to this community over the past 60 years and it is fitting htat she provides the representation for this provincial project.
COMMUNITY READING PROJECT SLAVE LAKE
Quilters: Clare Marconi/Sharon Niemeyer
Karen Christianson, coordinator of the Slave Lake literacy project, was quite pregnant at the beginning of the efforts to put the literacy quilt together. Being exhuasted and stuck in Edmonton and wanting very much to participate in the project, she was quite receptive to having someone else provide the input. When Clare Marconi in the Crowsnest Pass was approached about appliqueing the Slave Lake design supplied by Karen and the cotton colours to do it, she said, “No, this needs something zippier!” At this point you’ll agree the lustrous satin adds to the
square. Sharon Niemeyer, with her embroidery skills, finished off with the “Slave Lake”. The quilters switched the literacy logo into the background to provide the literacy theme – literacy always in the background providing those adults needing the skills with assistance in learning to read and write.
SECOND CHANCE ADULT TUTORING SERVICE FAIRVIEW
Designer/Quilter: Dorothy Burkholder
A quilt square!! I’m no quilter. Let me see-‐ perhaps I can ask one of the ladies from a small nearby town, Bluesky, and promote The Second Chance Adult Literacy Service (SCATS) at the same time. I called Dorothy Burkholder and explained. Well, she got all excited and sketched out a block which depicts our area, then began shopping for just the right fabrics.
She worked like a beaver so we could display our quilt square at our ILY Learners Conference at the Fairview College in April and again at our ILY booth at the Fairview Trade Fair.
But… I never saw that quilt square again after the Trade Fair. It vanished! So I called Dorothy – one of the most difficult things I had to do last year. She’s such a wonderful person. She made another one just like the other… a total of 70 hours work.
Thank you Dorothy…you are appreciated!
P.A.L.S. (PROJECT ADULT LITERACY SOCIETY) EDMONTON
Designers: Nadine Schollar/Marilyn Miller Quilter: Ruby Sills
Designed by Nadine, a tutor, and Marilyn, the coordinator of P.A.L.S, this square taked the motto “Each One-‐ Teach One” from the Laubach Literacy of Canada. This Society bases its tutoring program on each volunteer tutor working with one student. Once designed ruby took over the manufacturing end, and as President of the Quilters’ Guild of Edmonton, was ably qualified to do so.
Written by
Royal Alberta Museum
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Alberta Heritage Quilt Project Documentation Project
Royal Alberta Museum
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c.03-1991
International Lit... Steinberg, Anita; K...
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