Bruce County Museum seeks textile donations for “They Are Loved” exhibit in May

The Bruce County Museum and Cultural Centre invites community members who have lost a loved one to drug poisoning, to contribute textiles for a powerful installation by artist Tracey-Mae Chambers.

Titled “They Are Loved,” the exhibit, an epidemic of grief, runs this May 1-31, and centres the donated materials in the work. 

As a grieving mother and artist, Chambers created “They Are Loved” to make visible the grief many families experience following deaths caused by drug poisoning. She invites families to share a piece of clothing or fabric that represents their loved ones. She cuts each textile into strips and ties them together by hand, creating a growing network of fibres that binds shared pain and honours enduring love.

Families can take part in two ways: they can contact the artist directly at traceymae@traceymae.com or drop off textiles at the museum now until March 31, at 33 Victoria Street North  in Southampton. Families without a textile may also choose one from the artist’s collection to represent their loved one.

This project is proudly supported by community partners, including the National Overdose Response Service, Canadian Mental Health Association, Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addictions Services, Indigenous Services Canada, Mino Bimaadsawin Health Centre, M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, Supportive Outreach Service, Grey Bruce Public Health Harm Reduction Team, Chippewas of Nawash Health Centre, Safe N’ Sound Grey Bruce, and 211.

For more information about the call for textiles, the exhibition and other museum events, visit brucemuseum.ca.