Crafting Change: Handmade Activism, Past and Present

(Paperback)

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Description

In America, there is a tradition of teens protesting injustice and bringing about change that the older generation just couldn't. Craftivism means using handmade art to provoke, to interrupt, to draw attention, to help others, and hopefully to bring change. Ever heard of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which helped raise awareness of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s That's craftivism. Remember the bright pink pussyhats from the Women's March in 2017 That's craftivism, too. In Crafting Change, author Jessica Vitkus interviews modern craftivists and scholars who study political crafting of the past. This full-color book includes their own words, historical context, over 100 photos of the artists and their work. The result is an engaging narrative that reads like a mix-tape of the craftivist greats. It's a perfect book for teens who want to find creative ways to change the world for the better, even including step- by-step instructions to get readers started on their own craftivist journey.

Reviews

"Vitkus [writes] in a direct, conversational style that speaks to, not at, teen readers. Emphasizing enjoyment and process over professional products, she concludes with helpful tips and easy-to-start projects. ... Fascinating, thought provoking, and inspiring." --Booklist, starred review

"Reading the interview excerpts with craftivists, such as Black Girl Magic Portraits creator Melissa Blount, Pussyhat Project creators Jayna Zweiman and Krista Suh, and organizations like the Be Seen Project, will give any craftivist or crafting club lots of steam. ... Expertly organized to document the psychological benefits and historical and contemporary ways crafting brings communities together in action." --School Library Journal, starred review

"Profiling a variety of makers, craftspeople who use their creations to get their messages out, this bright, well-illustrated book encourages readers to try their hands at craftivism... The subjects are broadly diverse, and their passions connect to a range of social issues, so most readers will both feel included and learn something new... Expansive, inclusive, and motivating." --Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Jessica Vitkus is a writer and television producer living in New York City. She has written craft stories and developed craft projects for Martha Stewart magazines and television, and has worked as a writer/producer for MTV News, Pop-Up Video, and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Currently, she is a producer on Late Night with Stephen Colbert. @JessicaVitkus