A handmade quilt is so much more than a bed cover meant to keep us warm. A quilt is often a piece of art.
The Textile Arts Guild of Richmond (TAGOR) will display more than 30 colourful quilts at the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House during Doors Open 2012, running the weekend of May 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"When the hospice first opened, we presented them with quilts for each bed," said Moreen Rutherford, TAGOR quilter. "We also produced quilts for all of the recliners so that if family members stayed overnight, they could keep warm."
Every week, about 20 quilters, between the ages of 50 to its eldest member, 99-year-old Linda Yale, get together to create works of art as well as socialize.
They then donate their "labours of love" to a number of nonprofit organizations across the Lower Mainland and sometimes, around the world.
"Typically, it takes us one to three weeks to create our 100 per cent cotton quilts, depending on how intricate they are," added Rutherford.
TAGOR members will be on hand during Doors Open to answer any questions.
While the quilts will play a big part in the Doors Open event, Major Margaret Evans, executive director at the hospice, said the public will also be invited to tour the facility and its beautiful gardens, learn what it provides and enjoy music as well as light refreshments.
"We want to let the community know we have been here for six years," said Evans, adding there will be a quilt offered up as a door prize. "The quilts are beautiful and so unique, but more importantly they help create a homey, welcoming ambience for our residents."
More than 10,000 people took part in last year's Doors Open Richmond, said Peter Harris, exhibit and program director at the Richmond Museum, meaning more than 19,000 site visits.
He went on to say five years ago when the museum first launched Doors Open, it was a groundbreaking event in Richmond's history. The museum had heard from its partner groups that they wanted to try something unique to attract people to the heritage sites.
"After the 10th Annual Heritage Week Fair, the city invited the community to adopt the Doors Open concept, a national program introduced to Canadians by the Heritage Canada Foundation," said Harris. "The Doors Open program was envisioned with a bolder approach - a collaboration of Richmond's rich arts, culture and heritage diversity. "Richmond's artists, arts, cultural and historic sites, museums, aboriginal organizations, cultural groups, religious institutions, parks and other public and private Richmond organizations were invited, to, not only open their doors to the public, but also provide their own brand of specialty programs and behind the scenes tours."
For the first time, Doors Open is introducing a suggested bike route and a Walk Richmond Group Tour, according to Harris.
Besides the Rotary Hospice House, new partner sites this year include Rufus Lin Gallery of Japanese Art (with Ganbaro-Nippon, a tsunami support exhibit), Richmond Public Library (with behind-the-scenes tours), and Steveston Firehall No 2 (the new LEED Gold Certified facility).
This Doors Open Richmond, choose from more than 35 sites including heritage landmarks, places of worship, art galleries and artists' studios as well as national historic sites and more.
Because of its residents, the hospice will only be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. You can pick up a brochure at any City of Richmond facility, or download it at www.richmond.ca/doorsopen.
On Saturday, May 5 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. celebrate Doors Open and Asian Heritage Month with live music and refreshments at the Imaginary Enclave in the Richmond Cultural Centre, 7700 Minoru Gate.
