MENDING THE WORLD, ONE STITCH AT A TIME

 Greetings to friends and followers, after a long hiatus from blogging. If you happen to be one of those who follows me on Instagram or Facebook, you already know that my mind, my heart and my hands have been devoted to helping Palestinians through this more than 2 year genocide. Stitching Witness Quilts for our YoTeVeo project has consumed me. 

There was talk of ceasefire, even an announcement of it, yet it never truly materialized. The bombing, sniping and starvation have continued, even escalated, and the aid trucks allowed to enter are few and far between.

This is Salem at the beach in September, waiting for the flotilla that never arrived. 

My sister friend Rayan, who I've been supporting much of this time, keeps me informed of what is happening in her community in Mawasi Khan Younis. She is only 21 yrs. old, a university student before the universities were bombed, and is now mother and father to her two siblings. When she isn't sick, or too frail from not eating, she's a brilliant and compassionate community organizer. You can visit her campaign here @we.are.not.number

 In September, they were so happy to walk to the beach.The water was a refuge then. Now it's become a curse. I would like to raise some money to buy them a new tent. Winter is coming and the rains started early. The tents are not weatherproof, and Rayan's is ruined from a year of hot sun and high winds. This situation is unlivable. She sent me this yesterday on WhatsApp, with a dire message of the freezing cold. Looking out from the tent, you can see the pathway of mud, and the water washes into every tent. I can't imagine living in these conditions, and I'm betting you can't either.

In the past, many of you have sent money for every cause I believe in, and I am so grateful for your generosity that always exceeds expectations. This time, rather than ask you for money, I'm asking you to buy art, with all proceeds going to this family. If this feels like a win/win to you, look below at just a few of the pieces I have available. With the holiday season coming, maybe you can find something not only for yourself but for a loved one. 

 FROM YORK TO PALESTINE

Squares stitched in England, quilted YoTeVeo SMA

Witness Quilt, 30x37", 750 usd

THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD

Witness Quilt, YoTeVeo SMA

19x19", 275 usd

SOUL REFLECTIONS

Lena Bartula, with YoTeVeoSMA

15x22", 350 usd 

THE FARAWAY NEARBY

Mixed media collage, Lena Bartula, 16x16", 600 usd

REMNANTS IN TIME

Mixed media collage, Lena Bartula, 11x22", 400 usd

DOS CASAS

YoTeVeoSMA squares on wood by Lena Bartula

6x4", 75 usd

WITNESS DOLLS

 Mixed media, YoTeVeo SMA

9 - 11", 35 usd ea.

For more information about Rayan and her siblings, you can follow her on Instagram @iam.not.number  

If you decide you'd like to support her by choosing any of the art here, you can send your payment directly to the link on her page. When you receive a receipt for it, we'll make sure to send you the work, or you can pick it up here at the gallery. 

Many thanks to each and every one of you for your huge hearts and gracious support through the years. Together, we mend the world.