The Colcha Project March 5, 2012

The Colcha Project
Monday March 5th – Wednesday April 4th, 2012
Opening Reception:
Tuesday, March 6th – 5pm to 9pm

The Walsh Gallery is pleased to present “The Colcha Project,” curated by Doris Caçoilo and Jeanne Brasile. The traveling exhibition is an ongoing project that uses crochet as a catalyst for bringing people together in an exploration of culture, family and collaboration. In the Portuguese tradition, colcha (quilts) are crocheted, usually by a young woman’s mother. The quilts are included in a woman’s bridal chest and may be handed down through generations. “The Colcha Project” was developed by Caçoilo as a way to share this tradition with others, inviting guests to participate in the creation of new colcha while visiting the gallery. Each iteration of the project results in a new quilt, which shall be on display in subsequent exhibitions. The making of each quilt is documented, and this documentation also becomes part of “The Colcha Project.” The communal act of crocheting provides a catalyst for bonding as each participant adds their story to the larger project and they become part of its history.
In addition to the existing colcha, a quilt in progress will be on display in the gallery and visitors will be encouraged to contribute to its making. Each Sunday between the hours of 1pm and 5pm while “The Colcha Project” is on view in the Walsh Gallery, visitors are invited to join the curators and other members of the group to crochet, share their stories and become part of the “The Colcha Project.” Yarn and needles will be provided for those who do not have their own and a potluck lunch will be served.