Quilt

Angels Are Born

Description

Quilt titled Angels Are Born created by Michele Miroff in memory of Michelle Scarpitta and made with fabric, batting, and thread. This quilt depicts a woman with long brown hair holding an American flag heart with wings. Eight large yellow stars float around the woman. Printed on the back of the quilt is the message: "For my friend, Tony Melluzzo, who lived through September 11th and for his niece, Michelle Scarpitta, who did not. This quilt was made in memory of Michelle, and all the angels who were born on September 11th. Each of the stars are for all the angels that arose from acts against our people: the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the flights, the USS Cole, and our embassies overseas. Made with love and respect by Michele Miroff Long Island, NY."

Historical Notes

Inspired by the AIDS Memorial Quilt, New York City–based arts educator Drunell Levinson conceived a September 11 Quilts Memorial that would bring together the work of artists from around the world. Drawing upon her academic research into mourning customs and her expertise as a quilter and fabric artist, Levinson issued a call for quilts on a website she created for the project. She offered thematic guidelines and requested a uniform size but left the choice of material, style, and subject to each quilter. Within the first year after 9/11, she had received 94 quilts. Over the next two years, the quilts—many using the Twin Towers as a focal point—were displayed throughout the United States and in Japan.