"It Is Well"

Last month I heard of a local call for entries for a "peace art" show, here in town. A "spiritual awareness center," that sponsors an art gallery, is inviting local artists to enter their representation of peace, and how it begins with them. or something like that. I heard a verbal explanation last month. The entry form has very few details and even less direction.

But they invite fiber art, along with traditional art practices, to be part of the exhibit.

Sometimes I struggle with "inter-denominational, inter-faith" labels, but that's my personal struggle. I won't make it yours. And then I think, "If I don't add a Christian message to the collection, will anyone?"

In addition to my blog, I write a daily (6x week) letter to friends and family. Yesterday I mentioned this exhibit, and that what immediately sprang to mind was the first stanza of a hymn.

I was taken by surprise by the responses from my friends. They usually don't say much, but three of them responded to the hymn, and two insisted that I HAD to make a quilt for the exhibit.

The art needs to have an artist's statement, consisting of "35 words or less." There are 33 words in the first stanza, add two for the name of the author, and it's a sign. ;)

Yesterday I made a quilt.

It is currently pinned to my blocking board, all finished except for the sleeve and labels.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea-billows roll -
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888

"It Is Well"
19" x 24"
Suzanne Kistler 2008

I believe that we can also offer our work for sale, which I intend to do.

All of those river quilts have paid off. But I should have added some rocks. And maybe used a different green. Or...lots of ideas are rolling around in my head. I might just have to keep going with this and see where it takes me. It is well!