U of Montana Needs Fabric Donations to Cover Buildings!

If you have sheets, tablecloths, curtains and many other clean, colorful fabric items you no longer need, here's your opportunity to help with a monumental task.

And you thought making your bed in the morning was a chore. Wait till you read about this.

SOFT MONUMENTS

UM News Service tells us that textile artist is seeking fabric donations for building-sized project. The School of Art and Game Design at the University of Montana invites the public to participate in "Soft Monuments," a semester-long community art project led by internationally acclaimed textile artist Amanda Browder. Community members are encouraged to donate fabric and take part in creating two monumental textile installations that will transform buildings in Missoula this fall.

PUTTING A WRAP ON A CAMPUS AND A DOWNTOWN BUILDING

“Soft Monuments” brings together UM students and area residents to create two large-scale textile works that will be draped over the Music Building on campus and the historic Brunswick Building in downtown Missoula. The project is supported by UM’s Flagship Fund and celebrates collective creativity while highlighting the stories, memories and materials contributed by participants across the region.

Sewing and quilting have long served as communal practices that foster connection through shared labor and conversation. “Soft Monuments” invites students, families, elders, artists, neighbors, schools and local businesses to contribute to a public artwork that reflects the creativity and generosity of the Missoula community.

The project is seeking donations of clean, colorful fabric, including cotton, quilting cotton, sheets, tablecloths, curtains and other woven textiles. Fabric may be new or gently used, but should be clean and free of mold, excessive wear or heavy staining.

Stretch fabrics, upholstery fabric, fleece, batting, pillows and clothing with bulky seams or hardware are not recommended.

Every donation will become part of the finished installations, giving new life to textiles that carry personal histories and community connections.

READ MORE: University Of Montana Boosts Youth Journalism With Big Grant

MULTIPLE FABRIC DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

Fabric donation boxes are located at:

• Zootown Arts Community Center,216 W. Main St., Missoula
• Missoula Art Museum,335 N. Pattee St., Missoula
• Missoula Public Library, 455 E. Main St., Missoula
• Confident Stitch, 139 W. Front St., Missoula
• The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, 3400 Capt. Rawn Way, Missoula
• Fine Arts Building second floor lobby, UM campus, Missoula
• University Center first floor near west entrance, UM campus
• Montana Museum of Art and Culture lobby, UM campus, 795 S 5th  St E, Missoula
• Potomac Greenough Community Center, 29827 Potomac Road, Potomac

WANT TO HELP WITH THE PROJECTS?

The public also is invited to take part in sewing days through the beginning of November. No sewing experience is necessary. All are welcome to attend and contribute to this community project.

Visit the Griz Hub website for public sewing dates and locations.