You are invited to contribute to this collaborative artwork by mailing me your sewn together tissues representing your grief and loss. Read on for information & instructions:
Description:
The Colors of Grief: (un)Locked in Amber Waiting is a collaborative artwork first shown at my current solo exhibition at the Pablo Center at the Confluence in Eau Claire, Wisconsin: August 5 - October 12, 2025.
The centerpiece for this artwork is a tissue cast in amber colored resin resting on a pedestal like a sacred reliquary. The sewn tissues of grief are arranged in a nest-like shape below this centerpiece representing a gathering of collective grief. Scroll to see the installation below.
It is my hope that everyone who participates knows that I am deeply honored to be trusted with this representation of your grief. Thank you.
Directions for Sewing & Participating:
Use facial tissues (any type, brand or size, aka Kleenex, Puffs, cotton, etc)
Use thread color(s) that represent the colors of your grief.
Thread can be sewing machine thread, hand sewing and/or embroidery thread depending on your process.
Sew tissues together to form a line or another shape. Sew as many as you want to sew together.
How many to sew together? The number of tissues or the number of stitches might represent something personal for you. For example, maybe the number of tissues you sew together mirrors the number of years since your loss.
Stitching: you can stitch by hand or use a sewing machine. The stitch can be a standard straight stitch or it can be another stitch that resonates with your grief like words and images.
- OPTIONAL: include a brief note with your name and email so that I might contact you as the piece progresses.
Mail your completed lines of grief to me any time through October 3, 2025 for inclusion in this exhibition.
Rhonda Willers
c/o Willers Art Studio
PO Box 9
Elk Mound, WI 54739
Note: This project is ongoing and I will continue receiving stitched tissues, hosting sewing circles via zoom and in person. There has been such connective beauty with this project and I will continue caring for it allowing it to grow and be shared in other physical locations as well as online.
Sewing Circles via Zoom
Interested in a collaborative sewing experience to contribute to this project? Register for one or more of the free community sewing circles that I'll be hosting via zoom below.
Monday, September 29, 2025: 7:30-8:30pm US Central (register here)
Recommended Supplies for Sewing Circle:
1. Facial tissues (Puffs, Kleenex, etc)
2. Thread: style and color of your choosing
3. Sewing Machine or Hand Stitching Supplies (sewing needle, stitching hoop)
4. Your memories, presence, and time.
Visit the current installation during the Practices in Transformation: grief, gratitude, love, and time Exhibition at the Pablo Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin:
Learn more about planning a visit to the exhibition here