Gimme Shelter: A Blanket Fort Experience

Born from an urge to make safe space during the initial stages of the 2020 COVID-19 social distancing phase, my nine-year-old son found a small sheltered area in our living room and created a blanket fort for himself. This simple gesture inspired Gimme Shelter: A Blanket Fort Experience.

Installed in three locations over the course of 2021,  each venue allowed the blanket to offer a place of respite and contemplation for visitors. Beginning at the Stride Burnaby Arts Festival, the blanket brightened up a gray January day that hinted of rain. During the Burnaby Festival of Learning in May, visitors were able to enjoy a guided meditation and contemplate the colours and movement of the quilt in Confederation Park. 

The third installation took place at the opening celebration of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre in October. Visitors were invited to write an uplifting message on a card and attach it to the pompom strings along each side.