Quilts and Health

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Clare Luz, one of the three authors of a beautiful new book QUILTS AND HEALTH talks with Joyce and Mike about this beautiful review of the art of quilting and what it gives to the maker of the quilt as well as the recipient. The book explores the healing power of quilts and quiltmaking and the deep connections between art 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. In Quilts and Health, Marsha MacDowell, Clare Luz, and Beth Donaldson explore the long historical connection between textiles and health and its continued and ever growing importance in contemporary society. This lavishly illustrated book brings together hundreds of health-related quilts—with imagery from abstract patterns to depictions of fibromyalgia to an ovarian cancer diary—and the stories behind the art, as told by makers, recipients, healthcare professionals, and many others.

Quilts and Health, by Beth Donaldson, Clare Luz, and Marsha MacDowell

Clare Luz is Assistant Professor in the department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University. The college created a position for her to continue with her research related to the eldercare workforce and arts and health but also to develop a new program called AgeAlive.

Note cards reprinting Joyce’s Healing Garden quilt are available for sale at https://powerfulpatient.org/cards

Clare mentions that anyone can register their handmade quilts in the Quilt Index, http://quiltindex.org