We all have our own stories from the COVID-19 pandemic. But beyond those experiences is a collective story of perseverance, community, and caring. Together those stories inspired local artist Brenda Mabel Reid’s project: From Behind the Mask. 

The project invited neighbours to reflect on how the pandemic changed their life and share that experience by creating their own unique quilt blocks. Volunteers tied the blocks together to form a quilt telling the individual stories and the collective community experience of the pandemic.  

The inspiration came from Brenda’s reflections on the concept of care during the pandemic. “I was thinking about care and the concept of quilts as a metaphor for care,” said Brenda.  

Each block was created with intention, and together they formed a larger whole—a community built on connection and support. 

The LoveMyHood Matching Grant allowed Brenda to purchase supplies to distribute quilt block kits to neighbours.  

“We worked hard to make (the project) accessible to as many people as possible. By the end, we had nearly 600 finished blocks for the quilt.  I know that a two-year-old worked on one, and someone who was 89 made one,” said Brenda. 

Upon completion, the quilt was displayed at the Stanley Park Community Centre and the Homer Watson House & Gallery and is part of the Region of Waterloo Museum’s collection.    

“I was interested in collecting individuals' experiences to show our community how varied the experience was. The quilt creates a space for empathy where we can see and recognize each other's different experiences.” 

Through the exhibition of the From Behind the Mask project, neighbours gave feedback that the quilt provided healing and helped them connect with their community through the shared stories of pandemic experiences.