I blogged about this project a while ago, and I'm revisiting it because it's now open and available for touring: The 3D AIDS Quilt is a gentle memorial to individuals lost by individuals.

Decades ago, the public knew very little about HIV or AIDS, the epidemic was just beginning to rear its ugly head in the U.S. I was working as a bartender at TGI Fridays, enjoying the rich community that working with so many creative, talented, and personable young people offered. At the time my friend Buddy contracted AIDS and died, I had just divorced and I was in transition in many ways. Times were different, in many ways. I was not really close to Buddy, but I valued him as a co-worker and a friend and often enjoyed shifts with him and our colorful clan of servers, as well as after-work drinks and community. I was falling in love with the jewel who would be my wife, a tasty young lady 11 years my junior who remains just as tasty as she approaches 50.

Here's a snapshot from one of the quilts, done by Marty Snowpaw in memorial of "Stephen."

and here's mine, more of an abstract take on the "assignment:"

Currently, there are only 10 pieces, but a visit is well worth it. I visited this morning with my friend Gia, and though I did comment at one point that "This whole place is kind of a big gulp of sad..." it is a most interesting project, and I hope it continues to grow, if only for a testament to the fact that an epidemic really is composed of individual trials and losses, both of life and loved ones. Here are the first quilt pieces, from the notecard available at the site:

3D Quilt Rooms

(Visit the rooms of the contributors below)

1. Russell - Submitted by Paul

2, Steven - Submitted by Marty Ketlz

3. AIDS Orphans - Submitted by TGHC

4. Bobby - Submitted by Darlene

5. Donato - Submitted by Aksha Divisadero

6. Buddy - Submitted by Scottmerrick Oh

7. Anna - Submitted by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills Center for AIDS Research 

8. The Victims of AIDS - Submitted byRTI

9. Sandra - Submitted by her twin Cary

10. The Window Dressers - Submitted by ARteer Olivia

(Check back often as new pieces are added)