A stunning quilt installation created by an African Nova Scotian artist has found a permanent home at Â鶹´«Ã½, unveiled late last year at a celebration marking the release of the latest annual report from Â鶹´«Ã½'s African Nova Scotian Strategy Advisory Council.
Artist 's thought-provoking quilt work adds a touch of artistic warmth and vibrancy to the atrium in the Schulich School of Law where the advisory council offered highlights of their work with the African Nova Scotian community within and beyond the university's walls.Â
“It is critically important to keep community members and Â鶹´«Ã½ engaged in the work done by the Strategy," said Michelle Williams, co-chair of the African Nova Scotian Strategy and a professor in the law school. "The installation of the African Nova Scotian quilt at the law school is part of our efforts to make Â鶹´«Ã½ more inclusive and welcoming.â€Â Â
The 11-page report for 2023/2024 outlines activities aimed at supporting and strengthening the voice of African Nova Scotians at Â鶹´«Ã½ across campus as well as locally and internationally. It showcases initiatives that have improved the African Nova Scotian student, staff and faculty experience on campus as well as research and community impact projects.Â
Read the full report here:Â African Nova Scotian Strategy Annual Community Report for 2023/2024
The Advisory Council worked with , director and curator of the , and the law school to install Clyke’s work on campus, an example of the sorts of cross-campus collaborations that help the African Nova Scotian Strategy achieve its goals of finding unique ways to lift up community voices.
'A tapestry of our shared history'
Unveiling the quilt installation during the event was a special addition to an already meaningful celebration.Â
“The quilt is a tapestry of our shared history and dreams with each stitch a testament to our collective journey," said Quenta Adams, assistant vice-provost, student engagement and success and co-chair of the African Nova Scotian Strategy. "To see it become a permanent part of the university's fabric is profoundly moving."
She said the unveiling of the quilt paired with the strategy update "speaks to the celebration of our community's spirit and the stories that bind us together."
Â鶹´«Ã½ 60 or so guests attended the celebration event in mid-November.Â
Nathan Barton (BSc ‘24), a current member of the African Nova Scotian Advisory Council and a recent Â鶹´«Ã½ graduate, inspired the audience with his personal journey, describing how his time on the council had shaped his growth as a student and now as a Â鶹´«Ã½ employee.Â
Nathan Barton.
Law Dean Sarah Harding emphasized the profound significance of art, especially when it ignites conversations that transcend the artwork itself.Â
Attendees were also treated to insights from Clyke, who shared the heartwarming story of how her artistic journey began with a simple desire to create a quilt for her nephew.
You can view the quilt display now in the Schulich School of Law.Â
See more photos from the unveiling event below