2024 Artist: Elsie Gilmore
As Arts Marathon artists we will send a different example of our creative process and work to everyone who sponsors us, five days per week during April. We invite our friends, family, colleagues and anyone else who cares about art and wants to support Bridge to Rutland’s important work to sponsor us. Together we will help welcome new Americans who, in turn, will add immeasurably to our communities.
Elsie‘s Arts Marathon Goal
I will work on a Long Dog Sampler cross-stitch pieceElsie‘s Background
I've been doing cross-stitch since I was a child. When I was younger, I made cross-stitch gifts for almost every member of my family. My mother and grandmother were both experienced embroiderers. At the time, I didn't think about this, but they were fabric artists in the most real sense. We lived in a remote rural area, and needlework was something we did to keep us busy when we weren't doing chores around the farm. I remember handkerchiefs, pillowcases, and table runners with beautiful embroidered embellishments.
Then I didn't do it for a long time but got back into it in 2019 when I realized there were fun patterns out there that weren't traditional "samplers". I bought the book "Subversive Cross Stitch" and also realized I could design my own patterns, which was very exciting. I have found in my older age that cross-stitch is very meditative and a much better use of my down time than being on my phone.
I was drawn to the Arts Marathon because I empathize with the plight of people who leave everything behind to try to find a better life. I know they show up here with nothing and no one and are at the mercy of the system and the people they meet.
The pattern I'll be working on for the Arts Marathon is from the design company called Long Dog Samplers. They have a dedicated following because their patterns are so darn interesting. I'm excited to share my journey with you as I stitch this piece!
I've created a private YouTube space where I'll be sharing video updates with my sponsors throughout the month of April!
Find Elsie online
Art Samples
