Design Long COVID Stories
Example:
Carolyn Kerchof came to a community stitching session at the Museum of Boulder in 2020. She wrote a book about both her experience during COVID, and interviewed others through her project “Boulder Covid Stories,” a book she self-published (cover pictured here). She started a block, but life circumstances prevented her from finishing it. Utilizing both excerpts from her writing, the design and layout of the book (collages by Jessica Moon Bernstein), and additional details shared via conversations, I (Heather) created a design to complete her block. The beginning sketch and resulting pattern is pictured above. Click over to the ‘Volunteer to stitch’ page to see her block, stitched by my mother.
You can sign up to participate via this google form or email your interest via our contact form.
If you would like another option, get in touch via email to discuss.
Creativity matters
Long COVID is a crucial part of the ongoing effects of COVID-19 on our world, and one that has not received near enough attention on many fronts, from funding to awareness among the general population. It is essential that folks who are LIVING with this condition are the ones creating the narrative, shaping communities of COVID care, and informing research and treatment. In the words of HIV/AIDS activists, “Nothing about us without us.”
We are collecting stories from folks who are unable to stitch, and we need YOU to translate these into images. You can collaborate with storytellers directly, or work with their shared content (could be audio, writing, photos, etc.). Your design will be approved by the storyteller. Once the design is finalized, it will be handed off to one of our volunteers to stitch. We will also display your imagery alongside the story content at our event in 2025.
Your privacy will always be respected; you are able to remain anonymous, as are storytellers.
Thanks to funding from the INSITE Fund, we can pay $50 per design to folks who reside in Colorado. You are welcome to create more than one design, though understand that if you receive more than $600 from us, we will have to report the income to the IRS.