The quilt that I decided to hang at the Chaplin Public Library for February 2022 with the 12”x12” square of the William Ross Library is titled “Tribute to Truitt” (44H x 46W).  This piece was first shown in 2010 at The Connecticut Women Artists, Inc. 81^st Open Juried Exhibition at the John Slade Ely House in New Haven, CT. The back label indicates that there are over 54,300 hand quilted stitches in the quilt.  This quilt pays tribute to artist Anne Truitt who created powerful, profound works.  Her books “The Day Book” and “Prospect – The Journal of an Artist” contains Anne’s reflections on her rich life as artist/teacher, mother/grandmother, and wife.   Thus, the three figured images at the top of the piece.

Below is what I wrote about the William Ross Library c. 1911 @57 Chaplin Street

“When our children were growing up we made many trips to the William Ross Town Library building.  It was approximately 180 steps to the front door from our home at 44 Chaplin Street. At the time there was no running water in that beautiful building. So during the children’s story book hour – the Chuk family at 61 Chaplin street offered up their bathroom – just in case!  – One more example of how those living in Chaplin were always willing to help. The new owner of the William Ross Library has been busy saving this building.  Master carpenter, Peter Jakowski was put in charge of this project.  Peter, a former resident of Chaplin, has worked on many of the homes in Chaplin.  And we all thank him for his expertise.“