Sanctuary United Church of Christ presents a reception and reflection with artist Nancy Earsy, whose quilts are being displayed at the Sanctuary Gallery throughout May.

Earsy’s art quilts depict America’s long struggle for equal rights and racial justice. Her goal is to spotlight events and hidden heroes from the past, as well as contemporary leaders, to inspire understanding and positive action for change. Her exhibit at Sanctuary Gallery focuses on civil rights issues from long ago as well as modern times. The zig-zag progress and setbacks of American history are reflected in images of plantations in the North and South, along with modern heroes and events like President Obama’s election. Quilts in this collection feature abolitionist leaders Harriett Tubman and Frederick Douglass, who spoke out to end the brutality of slavery. Less known heroes include Yulanda Williams, a community police officer in San Francisco, and Harry T. Moore, who worked with the NAACP to enroll 116,000 new African American voters in Florida when the Supreme Court struck down discriminatory restrictions on voting in the 1940s.

Hear from Nancy about her inspiration and process – and join the conversation about your own experience of her creativity.

BYOB: Bring your own beer, wine or soda.

The Sanctuary Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.