WELCOME BLANKETS


بطانيات الترحيب

CHIẾC KHĂN CHÀO ĐÓN
ПРИВЕТСТВЕННЫЕ ОДЕЯЛА
Couvertures de Bienvenue

ВІТАЛЬНІ КОВДРИ


OVERVIEW

WELCOME BLANKETS featured 8 artists from around the world who each created a custom woven blanket featuring artwork based on the theme of ALL ARE WELCOME : ONE HUMANITY. For each blanket that was sold, 3 were donated to IRCO to use as a gift of welcome to immigrants and refugees when first arriving in Portland. These blankets provide hope, encouragement, and a sense of equality and belonging to our new neighbors. The artwork for these blankets has come from both near and far to represent the beauty and richness we gain by living in community and learning from people of all different backgrounds, customs and cultures.



Welcome Blankets have been made possible in part by a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council



ARTIST

Hola Lou


STATEMENT

Detrás de esta pieza de arte puedes encontrar mi manera más personal de compartirte un pequeño rayo de sol, una cálida luz de optimismo y un gran abrazo de mi parte y de mi gente desde México. Te aseguro que hablo por todos cuando digo que estamos felices de que estés aquí, esta es tu casa. Espero que esta manta sea un recordatorio de que, aunque la vida puede ser intensa y darnos miedo, el Sol sale para todos, la vida también puede ser hermosa y colorida y alegre. De mi familia para los tuyos, BIENVENIDO!!!

Behind this colorful artwork you can find my most personal way of sharing a bit of sunshine, a light of optimism and a big big hug for you from me and my people in México. I can assure you I speak for all of us when I say we're glad you're here, this is your home. Hope this blanket serves as a reminder that life can be intense and scary, but the sun comes out for everyone, life can be beautiful and colorful and joyful too. From my family to yours, WELCOME!!!!

For each blanket purchased, 3 are donated to IRCO

Woven Blanket - 100% Cotton
54” x 70”


$150.00 + Shipping



ARTIST

Jason Sturgill


STATEMENT

This blanket, to me, is literally a symbol of peace. A peace offering that hopes to bring joy to the receiver, that in turn spreads love around them. I offer it with a most sincere welcome to your new life and wishes of comfort and happiness.

For each blanket purchased, 3 are donated to IRCO

Woven Blanket - 100% Cotton
54” x 70”


$150.00 + Shipping





ARTIST

Salomée Souag


STATEMENT

As an immigrant and woman of color myself, this project feels very personal to me. I want to truly communicate the idea of entering a new world, a new dimension almost, and learning to adapt to a new culture, lifestyle, language. Beyond that, I also want to visualize both giving and taking which is represented through the water. We must work together as a community in this world, we must learn to depend on each other, normalize asking for help when needed, but also learn to give back for our loved ones. It's a powerful cycle of care and love. The art feels unafraid, and purposefully loud to make the immigrant and refugee community feel heard and seen. I created a blanket I wish me and my family would have had when arriving in this new world, a colorful story that celebrates our journey and sacrifice. I believe design can change the world, using design for good. That can be one wall at a time, one design at a time, one canvas at a time, one blanket at a time, and inspiring one human at a time.

For each blanket purchased, 3 are donated to IRCO

Woven Blanket - 100% Cotton
54” x 70”


$150.00 + Shipping




ARTIST

Andrea Cenon


STATEMENT

The Better Together blanket is inspired by the power of unity and diversity seen within humanity. The colors are an ode to the range of skin tones represented by different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Better Together emphasizes the strength in community and by existence opposes division. It is meant to be inclusive, yet set apart. It does not negate individual identities for the sake of unity, but rather celebrates it.


For each blanket purchased, 3 are donated to IRCO

Woven Blanket - 100% Cotton
54” x 70”


$150.00 + Shipping



ARTIST

Kate Frizalis


STATEMENT

Я очень рада и горжусь тем, что являюсь частью проекта «Welcome Blankets». Будучи сама иммигранткой, я помню тот момент, когда ты покидаешь свою семью, свою страну, все, к чему ты привык, и начинаешь новую жизнь ... Этот момент пугающий и в то же время волнующий. Также я знаю, что после этого момента впереди будет столько хорошего - планы, мечты, новые возможности, предстоящие приключения и новые друзья! Надеюсь, мое одеяло принесет радость, улыбки и удачу новым владельцам!

I am very pleased and proud to be a part of the “Welcome Blankets” project. Being an immigrant myself, I remember this moment when you are leaving your family, your country, everything that you are used to and starting a new life ... This moment is scary and exciting at the same time. I also know that after that moment there will be so many great things ahead - plans, dreams, new opportunities, upcoming adventures and new friends! I hope my blanket will bring joy, smiles and good luck to its new owners!


For each blanket purchased, 3 are donated to IRCO

Woven Blanket - 100% Cotton
54” x 70”


$150.00 + Shipping



ARTIST


STATEMENT

I often use the word HUMAN in my work as I just feel like people are quiet desensitised now and tend to not see the human or emotional side of people. Labels and stereotypes have become so intensified which seems ironic as the world becomes more global and connected, yet we seem to want to separate ourselves even more. No matter your race, gender or sexuality you see, you smell, you taste, you feel emotion… that makes you human, that gives you the right to be treated as an equal and for no other human to be better, worse or to decide the manner in which you should be treated.

For each blanket purchased, 3 are donated to IRCO

Woven Blanket - 100% Cotton
54” x 70”


$150.00 + Shipping



ARTIST

Pluswaldos


STATEMENT

Combinando sus raíces venezolanas con su experiencia personal como inmigrante en EEUU, Oswaldo Rodriguez traduce sus memorias personales, tradición y herencia ancestral en potentes mensajes visuales. Para Rodriguez, la energía del color no tiene fronteras, y con él teje un regalo universal para un receptor desconocido: “All are welcome” (Todos son bienvenidos). La palabra “tranqui”, un guiño a la expresión latina usada para dar soporte al compañero, así como el uso de la flor como referencia al acto del obsequio, canalizan la esencia visual de Rodriguez en este cálido y energizante mensaje.

Combining his Venezuelan roots with his personal experience as a US immigrant, Oswaldo Rodríguez translates deeply personal memories, tradition, and ancestral heritage into vibrant messages. For Rodríguez, the energy of color knows no borders, through which he weaves a universal gift to an unknown recipient: “All are welcome”. The word “tranqui”, a nod to the Hispanic saying used to give support to one's peers, and the use of the flower as a symbol of a gift, channels Rodríguez's visual essence into a warm and energizing message.
For each blanket purchased, 3 are donated to IRCO

Woven Blanket - 100% Cotton
54” x 70”


$150.00 + Shipping















ARTIST

Shamma Buhazza


STATEMENT

For this design I have used the visuals that are commonly found in fluffy blankets, which are flowers and animal prints. These visuals are often made up of unexpected colours, and overwhelming designs. However, they are a symbol in ethnic households and function as blankets that keep you warm and cosy whether it is in the winter, or in a room with a high air-con. For this design I have taken on a contemporary approach of combining all the overwhelming visuals found in these various blanket designs such as animal print and florals. As an outcome, this acts as a tribute to these designs commonly found on blankets.

For each blanket purchased, 3 are donated to IRCO

Woven Blanket - 100% Cotton
54” x 70”


$150.00 + Shipping

WELCOME BLANKETS


بطانيات الترحيب

CHIẾC KHĂN CHÀO ĐÓN
ПРИВЕТСТВЕННЫЕ ОДЕЯЛА
Couvertures de Bienvenue

ВІТАЛЬНІ КОВДРИ


OVERVIEW

We partnered with 8 artists from around the world to create a series of custom woven blankets featuring artwork based on the theme of ONE HUMANITY : ALL ARE WELCOME. For every blanket purchased, 3 were donated to IRCO to use as a gift of welcome to immigrants and refugees when first arriving in Portland. These blankets provide hope, encouragement, and a sense of equality and belonging to our new neighbors. The artwork for these blankets has come from both near and far to represent the beauty and richness we gain by living in community and learning from people of all different backgrounds, customs and cultures.



Welcome Blankets have been made possible in part by a grant from the Regional Arts and Culture Council




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Portland, OR, USA
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GAC Zine Library is supported in part by
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