A new participatory project developed by Jayna Zweiman MArch ’08–artist, designer, and co-founder of Pussyhat Project–is the subject of an exhibition at the University of Chicago’s Smart Museum of Art. Welcome Blanket is a call for hand-crafted blankets that, together, will be made from 3,500,640 yards of yarn–the length of the proposed border wall dividing the United States and Mexico. From July 18 through December 17, 2017, finished blankets will be collected at the Smart Museum where an empty gallery serves as a receiving station. Visitors are invited to spend time knitting in the gallery or participating in other public events planned for the space. Following the collection period, the blankets and accompanying notes from makers will be distributed to refugees and other immigrants in coordination with resettlement organizations. Jayna Zweiman: Welcome Blanket is the first show at the Smart Museum of Art under the leadership of its new director.

The project has been featured in People Magazine, Chicago Tribune (video), and Chicago Tonight, among other media outlets.

Learn more about Welcome Blanket, including how to participate.

Learn more about the exhibition.

Image: Kat Coyle, Come Together blanket design.