Arts Together create unique quilt to celebrate over 25 years

Arts Together started in 1999 and runs weekly arts groups in Marlborough, Pewsey, Melksham, Devizes, Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon. In Spring 2025, under the guidance of lead artist Jess Way and silk painter Nicola Davis, the groups created a special quilt. Each square shares personal memories, ideas, stories. The quilt is touring Wiltshire. You can view it, and the accompanying book, in Marlborough Library until July 19^th, in Trowbridge Museum 21^st-25^th July, Pewsey Library 26^thJuly-2^nd August, Devizes Museum from August 4^th-9^th and Campus Foyer, Melksham from 11^th– 16^th August.

Organisation manager of Arts Together, Julieann Worrall Hood, told Marlborough.news how group members, volunteers, staff team, artists, trustees and friends began working together to create the special quilt to celebrate the warmth and creativity of their community. Participants were asked: “Tell us something not many people know about you” and to then use these ideas to design a square. “Each patch holds a personal story about joy, connection, and memories. The accompanying book links each patch with its story – such as winning 10 Paralympic medals, sharing Solstice poetry at Avebury Henge, and even riding a cow backwards by moonlight! We were also able to incorporate some history by using vintage silk squares from an Arts Together project by artist Karen Pigott.”

“Arts Together has been all about connecting older people with their community and enriching lives through art and friendship. We’ve had so many amazing creative experiences, including songwriting, puppetry, painting, mosaic, sculpture, screen printing and stained glass. We’ve collaborated with local museums and showcased our group members’ art to His Majesty King Charles III at St James’s Palace!

Although the charity Arts Together will sadly be closing in Autumn 2025, the art groups will continue under the care of Age UK Wiltshire and Alzheimer’s Support Wiltshire.”

It is hoped a permanent home will be found for the quilt in one of the Wiltshire museums. To find out more about the quilt access the accompanying book here.