The whole purpose of this trip was to attend this conference. I contributed a poster, which told the story of my recent Heritage Weaving Project in the Atrium of the St Boniface General Hospital:
Braiding and Weaving relaxing, creative, meditative Introduction “Spinning and Weaving are the highest forms of Meditation” Mahatma Ghandhi The project described here, one of several undertaken at the St Boniface General Hospital Atrium in Winnipeg, Manitoba, produced 8 Fingerwoven Samples for The Manitoba Museum. The type of weaving selected seemed appropriate to the setting: -Fingerweaving is low-tech, no noise, easily mobile, quick to set-up and take-down daily. -The project was very time consuming, but also easily interrupted, the weaver is able to interact with the public. -The method used is culturally very significant to the demographic served by the hospital. -Perceived as a disappearing art, it generated much interest. Slow but measurable progress over a period of 10 months, allowed for a rapport between weaver and atrium visitor: -Hospital staff regularly visit the atrium on break time. -Visitors enter and exit the hospital through the atrium. -The atrium is accessible to hospital patients. The variety of patterns in the samples were based on articles in museums across North America. Sash samples will be used by the Manitoba Museum for future education & display purposes. Previous weaving projects received much anecdotal support, I decided to institute a method for generating concrete measurement of success. Purposes Humans reach to their heritage in times of crisis in search of healing. Repetitive creative activities draw the individual into a mental state in which they access their personal resources. Weaving is a metaphor for teamwork: Alone we are fragile, together we are strong. Methods In-house advertising was done through the hospital newsletter. Poster announcing my presence was on display in the Atrium. Weaving took place in the Atrium, 3 days per week, 11AM to 4PM, November 2007, to July, 2008. Materials were made available for visitors to try fingerweaving. These numbers are countable. Knitting, crochet, and quilting assistance also offered. Brochure outlining the program was available to visitors. Brochures taken is countable. Guest book was offered to visitors for signing. Book signatures are countable. Designs were chosen in consultation with Manitoba Museum curator. Samples were woven according to the fingerweaving method. Outcomes Weaving in the Atrium of the St. Boniface General Hospital contributed to a healing environment. On the basis of comments left in the guest book, individuals expressed the impression that: -The sight of the sash speaks a welcome to local ethnic groups. Number of brochures taken and read: 972 -Weaving provided a diversion and relaxation for staff, patients, and visitors. Estimated average 50 per day, watching. -Craft was promoted as a means to personal re-sourcing; Individuals reported that looking was nice, but doing it themselves was even better. Number of individuals completing a small sample: 172 The Manitoba Museum received 8 fingerwoven pieces for education & display purposes. Conclusion Weaving is an effective remedy for the stress experienced in health care settings. Acknowledgements Manitoba Artists in Healthcare Manitoba Culture Heritage and Tourism Musée de St. Boniface Museum St. Boniface General Hospital The Manitoba Museum
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