On March 27, 2021, the Lynn Valley community experienced a random act of violence that ultimately took one person’s life and injured several others.   One of the many responses to this tragedy took the form of a community engaged art project designed to support the general healing process and reclaim the civic space as a place where love and peace endures.  

Under the creative guidance of local artist Berene Campbell, community members were invited to help spread LOVE and healing, by participating in one of two projects that based on individual skill levels.   

Giant LOVE X-Stich 

This project invited community participants of all skill levels to hand-stich an “X” to show their love and contribute to the community creation of an X-stitched LOVE quilt.  The artist prepared do-it-yourself kits that included fabric and instructions to create three X squares for the quilt.  The goal was to receive 700 sewn X squares, a milestone that was overwhelmingly surpassed with the artist receiving double that amount from individuals, families, school groups and clubs.   The extra squares allowed for the creation of additional components of the project, two large cross stitched hearts and framed squares for nearby merchants.  

Stairwell of LOVE: Quilted Banners

The Stairwell of LOVE project invited more experienced quilters to share messages of love, strength and peace on long quilted banners that are now on display inside the library stairwell.  The artist provided sewing instructions, desired dimensions, free lettering patterns for quilting and colour pallet guidelines.   The hope was to receive 30 banners and this goal was far surpassed with the submission of 68 hand-quilted banners, from local participants and other quilters from across Canada and internationally; all sending their messages of love and healing to North Vancouver.