On Anniversary Of Columbine, San Jose Quilt Museum Joins Gun Conversation

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles (SJMQT) announced today that it will unroll a trailblazing array of exhibitions and events intended to spark dialogue in relation to the complicated and multifaceted topic of gun violence in America. SJMQT will be displaying the exhibitions Guns: Loaded Conversations (in collaboration with Studio Art Quilt Associates) and Generation of Change: A Movement, Not a Moment (from the East Bay-based Social Justice Sewing Academy), with an Opening Reception from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 22, 2018. The exhibitions will be on display through July 15, 2018. Co-curated by Studio Art Quilt Associates juror Vicky Clark and SJMQT Curator of Exhibitions, Amy DiPlacido, the exhibition presents a powerful display of art works and related in-gallery programming, intended to promote conversation, understanding and reflection on gun issues facing this country. Guns: Loaded Conversations is supported by theprestigious X Factor Arts Grant from SV Creates.

Following the exhibitions, SJMQT will be partnering with The Mayor's Office, multiple City Council Districts, San Jose Police Department and Police Foundation to sponsor a Gun Buy-Back Program entitled Quilts + Cash for Guns. The Buy-Back is slated for early December 2018; further details, including the date of the Buy-Back, will be announced at a later time.

Combining artistry, craft and activism, Social Justice Sewing Academy - which is partnering with the Museum on Generation of Change: A Movement, Not a Moment - has the following mission objectives: to inspire high-school students toward awareness of social injustices; to create young leaders; and to motivate action. The quilts on display, created by teenagers and crafted with the help of adult sewing mentors, remind the viewer that social injustices have a profound effect on all people, regardless of age. SJSA's goal is to prepare students to solve issues in their communities through innovative thinking and action. By using textile art as a vehicle for personal transformation and community cohesion, SJSA empowers youth to become agents of social change.

"With these powerful exhibitions and programs," says SJMQT Director Nancy Bavor, "we hope to engage our visitors in conversations about the complex and controversial issue of the Second Amendment and gun use in this country."

GUN BUY-BACK

The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles is partnering with The Mayor's Office, multiple City Council Districts, San Jose Police Department and Police Foundation to sponsor a Gun Buy-Back Program entitled Quilts + Cash for Guns. The goal of the program is to reduce the number of firearms owned by civilians and provide gun owners with an opportunity to turn in guns without risk of prosecution. Participants will be able to turn in a gun and, in exchange, receive cash and a quilt. The specific date for Gun Buy-Back, scheduled for December 2018, will be announced at a later date.

SJMQT is calling on the community to create quilts that may be exchanged for guns. The Museum is also accepting tax-deductible contributions to be used for the gun buy-back. For information about quilt donations and to make online contributions visit www.sjquiltmuseum.org.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING

On Sunday, July 15, 2018 at 3:00 p.m., San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles will present the lecture Bang! Bang! Discussing America's Second Amendment by Stanford University Law Professor, John J. Donohue III. Admission to this one-time special event is available at $15.00 for Members and $25.00 for Non-Members.

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