American Threads of Unity and Freedom is a Southampton Arts Center community quilt project created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. 

Visitors to The Story of America: 1776–2026, presented by the Museum of Democracy at Southampton Arts Center through July 18, are invited to sew together patches of up-cycled blue jean squares, blue velvet, red silk and white lace stars, or to pin their favorite vintage trims and leave a threaded mark on the commemorative hand-sewn quilt. They can also contribute a meaningful word to the community bowl, a collection of which will then be hand-embroidered on to the quilt. 

All the materials for the quilt are vintage, reimagined textiles repurposed in the sustainable community quilt. Each stitch and unique patch symbolizes interconnection and unity, threading together a diverse and visionary American tapestry. The vintage threads echo our ancestors who, generation after generation, believed in and fought for our democracy and to uphold the promises of the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

The quilt has been designed and sewn under the creative direction of Paula Christine Viscogliosi, a long-term supporter and former board member of SAC and creative director of her creative wellness and design company Life Threads Gold.

Gallery Hours:   Friday – Sunday | 12 – 5 PM  

25 Jobs Lane Southampton, New York 11968 

631.283.0967 

Southamptonartscenter.org

Top Photo credit: Tessa Arnzen

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