100th Anniversary Fibre Art Quilt Exhibition • Paris Legion 29

Accès

À propos

The Paris Legion 29 100th Anniversary Fibre Art Quilt was commissioned to mark the 100th anniversary of the Paris Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 in Paris, Ontario, coinciding with the Royal Canadian Legion of Canada’s centennial in 2026.

This vibrant fibre art quilt, created by artist Donna Campbell, celebrates the town’s history, its veterans, and their enduring legacy.

The quilt will be shared with the community through exhibits at museums, libraries, county buildings, starting with the Paris Fair.

At the fair, visitors can appreciate the quilt’s artistic and historical significance, reflecting both Paris’ past and present and the connection with veterans of yesterday and today.

Campbell, a former Paris resident now living in Brantford, crafted the quilt with meticulous care. The artwork features vivid imagery of the Normandy beaches, the Paris Cenotaph, and the Franklin Smoke House at 70 William Street, now home to Branch 29, donated by Franklin Smoke.

Historical news articles, including one about local resident Henry Foster, are woven into the design, grounding the piece in the town’s heritage.

Campbell’s process began in June 2024, sparked by discussions with the 100th Anniversary committee. Over nine months, she worked in her studio, refining the quilt by adding, moving, or removing elements to perfect the composition. Her research into local history and her love for Paris’s natural and cultural landscape shine through in the final piece.

“The concept was first discussed as an art quilt in June/July 2024,” said committee member Cheryl Humphrey. “Donna’s artistic mind and soul took flight, and she spent the next nine months working on her piece. She is a truly gifted individual with a large heart and a strong love of nature and Paris.”

The quilt’s imagery captures the essence of Paris, blending historical and contemporary elements. The Normandy beaches in the top right frame symbolize the sacrifices of veterans, while local landmarks like the Cenotaph and the Smoke House anchor the piece in the community’s identity. Campbell’s artistry transforms these elements into a cohesive narrative, honoring both the town and its veterans.

Throughout 2026, the quilt will tour various community organizations, offering residents and visitors a chance to engage with this meaningful work of art. Its debut at the Paris Fair’s arts and crafts building will allow attendees to explore its intricate details and historical context.

To support the 100th Anniversary celebrations, donations can be made to Paris Legion Branch 29 at 70 William Street, Paris, ON N3L 1L6, via cheque, in-person, or e-transfer to [email protected]. Donors are asked to mark contributions with “ANNIVERSARY” to distinguish them from general Legion donations.

This fibre art quilt not only commemorates a century of service but also serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Paris and its veterans. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this remarkable piece at the Paris Fair or during its community tour.

Liens

• Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 - Paris ON parislegion29.ca

Organisateur

Royal Canadian Legion 100th Anniversary Committee

The Paris Anniversary Art Quilt highlights an art form unique to the fiber world. The pictorial images invoke a connection between veterans, community and present armed forces. The quilt invites the viewer to look closer and find the stories that are part of our heritage both for Canadians in general and specifically for residents of Paris. The legion is a community organization that supports not only veterans but youth and seniors’ groups throughout the area. As a member of a local quilt guild, I was coordinator of a successful quilt show in Paris in 2024 at the #ForParisCentre. The work involved 2 years of planning and coordinating volunteers and businesses.