An opening reception for the “Fredonia AIDS Quilt Poster Project,” a poster exhibit created by students in Dr. Jeffry Iovannone’s AIDS Art & Activism course, will be held on Thursday, March 22, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Reed Library atrium.
Drawing inspiration from the Names Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, founded by gay rights activist Cleve Jones in 1987, the exhibit will tell the story of the HIV/AIDS epidemic through a series of quilt squares (in the form of posters) that feature a diverse cast of influential individuals who lost their lives to AIDS or AIDS-related complications.
Also included in the exhibit will be blank "signature panels" where viewers can write their response or the name of someone not featured who died of AIDS.
“I have done poster exhibits in the past and have found them to be an effective way to engage students in thinking about how the classroom connects to the community” noted Dr. Iovannone. “I am looking forward to what students create for their quilts, as the course requires them to study HIV/AIDS history and activism not only in thought but also in practice.”
The reception, which is free and open to the public, will feature remarks from Iovannone, who is coordinator of Women’s and Gender Studies. Students will also be present to discuss their work. The Fredonia AIDS Quilt Poster Project will remain on display in Reed Library until April 12.
