The Violet Protest - Phoenix Art Museum

The Violet Protest is a public effort to send 50 hand-made textile squares to each and every member of Congress in support of these core American values:

• Civility and Respect • Citizenship • Compromise • Courage • Candor • Country over party and corporate influence • Compassion • Creativity

Focused on the values we hold dear as Americans, rather than any political beliefs, the color violet symbolizes the literal combination of red and blue, long held as symbols of our nation's differing ideologies. Whether we weave, knit, crochet, quilt, embroider, screen print or even felt; we can contribute to healing divisions that threaten our country. Through this social action, and from every corner of America; we, as makers of all political persuasions, can employ our willing spirit and talents to create 26,750 squares. This will send a physical message of friendly protest demonstrating that if we, as citizens, are willing to come together - so then must our elected officials.

The collection of textile squares will be first displayed at the Phoenix Art Museum, Fall 2020, before they are sent to the new 117th Congress in 2021. So the most urgent detail is that we must receive finished squares by the August 15, 2020 deadline. Our goal is to collect hand-made squares from makers in all 50 states - enough to send 50 squares to each US Representative and Senator of the 117th US Congress - that’s 26,750 squares!