In August 2024, PATCHWERK returned to Charis Works Christian Academy in Trinidad & Tobago, and Charles Town Basic School and the Maroon Heritage Museum in Jamaica for our annual art and story youth workshop. We welcomed 33 youth participants and 3 local volunteers. My Quilted Journey invited youth artists to explore the people, affirmations, patterns and flags that shaped them along their life journeys.

 

All artists completed a series of craft classes to explore dynamic characters, symbolic patters and positive phrases that retold the memories that matter most to them. They painted mixed media quilts onto canvas market bags and spray painted their creativity to design caps and bucket hats to match. Participants also divided into film crews to practice oral storytelling and conflict resolution. As they trekked the plot diagram, they developed their narrative writing skills and discovered they have the power to unpack and rewrite solutions for current problems they see in their communities, schools and homes. The wrote and  recorded cultural skits to showcase these quilted journeys.

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As a final celebration, artists invited their loved ones and neighbors to our annual mock auction and art ceremony where youth artists received certificates, cash prizes and art supplies. A special thank you to all our community sponsors who donated $14,432 TTD/$339,150 JD to support our blossoming artisans and filmmakers. Check out the project gallery and cultural storytelling film below!