Four Georgia libraries will host the “Comfort of Recovery” quilt as part of a partnership between Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS), the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, and Rise2Recovery (R2ISE), an award-winning recovery community organization.
Over 100 people have contributed to handcrafting the quilt, including R2ISE peers and supporters, Carlos Museum staff, and Emory University students.
“We want people all over Georgia to know that recovery is real, and we should support people in recovery. What better place to have the quilt than in a library, where people come to learn,” said R2ISE member Christa Kendrick.
North Cobb Regional Library held a public event on Sept. 21 to share the quilt’s story, including multiple powerful stories of addiction recovery through the healing power of art, including spoken word, dance, sewing, and more. The quilt emphasizes recovery as an ongoing creative process.
“May we illustrate the power of recovery, share hope, diminish stigma, and provide comfort to families who have lost loved ones to addictive diseases and or mental health challenges. Every stitch, every square, represents a moment in time where we raised awareness, where we shared our stories of recovery,” said Alexia Jones, executive director of R2ISE.
The quilt was created as a collaborative project between R2ISE and the Carlos Museum. R2ISE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe space for individuals recovering from substance abuse disorders and mental health challenges. R2ISE uses art as a method of healing and recovery from addiction.
Since the quilt’s unveiling in 2023, it has been displayed at the Georgia Governor’s Office, Emory University School of Medicine, and The Carter Center. The quilt’s latest tour builds on the longstanding partnership between Georgia Public Library Service and the Carlos Museum, which also includes the Carlos Museum Family Pass, which can be checked out from any public library in Georgia for up to six free admissions, and the Wrapped Up in Reading children’s summer reading challenge.
“We are proud to partner with R2ISE and the Carlos Museum to bring ‘The Comfort of Recovery’ quilt to Georgia libraries. This quilt offers our libraries an opportunity and path to build and support an empathetic, supportive community at the library, a place that welcomes everyone,” said Julie Walker, state librarian and vice chancellor for Libraries and Archives.
The tour will include:
Sept. 18 – Oct. 31, 2024: North Cobb Regional Library, Cobb County Public Library
Nov. 11, 2024 – Jan. 3, 2025: Post Road Library, Forsyth County Public Library
Jan. 20 – March 10, 2025: Clayton State University Library
March 24 – May 12, 2025: Middle Georgia State University Library
