Marsha MacDowell & Beth Donaldson, Co-authors of Quilts and Health

Name an illness, medical condition, or disease and you will find quiltmaking associated with it. From Alzheimer’s to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Lou Gehrig's Disease to Crigler-Najjar Syndrome, and for nearly every form of cancer, millions of quilts have been made in support of personal well-being, health education, patient advocacy, memorialization of victims, and fundraising. 

  This presentation will explore the long historical connection between textiles and health and its continued and ever growing importance in contemporary society.  Marsha and Beth will examine the evidence-based literature that demonstates the profound impact quilts (making and receiving) have on healing and well-being.  They will introduce us to resources - in particular the Quilt Index (www.quiltindex.org) we can use to participate in and or to study the important intersection of art and health.  They are joining us from East Lansing, Michigan.

Marsha MacDowell, Ph.D. is a professor and curator of folk arts and quilt studies…