Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins’ office in Yonkers will now display a section of The YES Yonkers! Community Quilt Project spearheaded by area artists, Katori Walker and Evan Bishop.
The overall quilt project consists of over 1,000 hand-painted canvas swatches that celebrate Yonkers, family, life and unity. The swatches designed by residents of all ages and art abilities feature paintings, abstract art, drawings, poems, and inspirational words. Following 2019’s unveiling of the project – Walker and Bishop broke it into mini-quilts for display in local businesses, schools, nonprofits, community centers, and offices across the City of Yonkers.
Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart- Cousins said, “The Community Quilt Project is inclusive in so many ways, and to be a part of celebrating Yonkers, where I live and work and serve residents, well frankly, I cannot think of anything better. Art connects people and helped many during the pandemic, and as we reopen, residents who visit my office will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and messages of inspiration and hope on the swatches. I thank Katori and Evan for bringing the idea to me and continuing to find creative ways through art to bring people together.”
Artist Katori Walker said, “This opportunity to curate and display a section of our quilt in Senator Stewart-Cousins’ office is a major endorsement and an honor. All the contributing artists were really excited to learn that their art will be on display in her Yonkers office.”
Artist Evan Bishop said, “Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has supported our creative endeavors since our first community art project in Yonkers back in 2017. We are pleased that we can share a section of this quilt with her and her staff.”
The YES Yonkers! Community Quilt Project was made possible with funding from ArtsWestchester. The Senate Majority Leader added that more projects like this can continue with the allocation of $1 million to restart the arts in this year’s state budget awarded to ArtsWestchester.
