UCA brings The AIDS Memorial Quilt to campus

The AIDS Memorial Quilt will be showcased at the University of Central Arkansas starting with a reception and Remembrance Tribute on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 1:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Performance Hall Lobby.

Author Ruth Coker Burks and Ark. Rep. Tippi McCullough will present the tribute.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt will be displayed in the Reynolds Performance Hall Lobby from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 1-11. The quilt will also be on view from 5:30-10 p.m., in conjunction with the Indigo Girls Concert at Reynolds.

Starting as one panel in 1987 in San Francisco, The AIDS Memorial Quilt (or The Quilt) now comprises more than 50,000 individual 3' x 6' panels). Sewn by friends and family, The Quilt is a 54-ton handmade tapestry representing those who have lost their lives to AIDS. Two 12' x 12' blocks honoring Arkansans who died of AIDS-related causes will be on display.

"I was able to view The AIDS Memorial Quilt when it was on campus in 2014, and it was so moving to witness the humanity of this public art project. The Quilt panels transcend time, as we can see the names and memories of people who were lost over these past few decades. Over 50,000 people have been remembered by their loved ones in this lasting way," said Paige Rose, associate dean of the College of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences. "In our October 1, opening event, we will not only remember several victims from our area but will also pause to remember that the enormity of The Quilt still does not come close to representing the hundreds of thousands of victims."

This residency is sponsored by the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The artist-in-residence program is funded by the UCA Student Arts Fee, with additional funding through Engage Management. All events are located on the UCA campus unless otherwise specified. All events are free to UCA students and open to the public. No reservations or tickets are required unless otherwise specified.

Written by Victoria Walter