Building Resilience and Empathy in a Unraveling World
The Genesis of Wayfinding
Since the COVID-19 pandemic and through to the current chaos we face, artist Gina Kellogg has felt a deep-seated overwhelm. She has watched as more people struggle to find ways to be of service while facing so much need in the world. Reflecting on her 20-year journey of journal quilting—pieces created from moments of joy and sorrow—she felt it was time for a transformation. In the fall of 2023, Gina began a bold experiment: cutting up her old quilts to see what new forms they might take, a process that soon revealed itself as an exploration of both disruption and resilience.
Transformation in Fiber:
New Creations with Deep Meaning
As Gina reimagined her quilts, the pieces began to take on new, profound meaning, illustrating themes of cultural and environmental upheaval. Through the guidance of trusted friends, she realized her work was uncovering the emotional and existential impact of multi-level chaos as well as a path toward resilience, empathy and cooperation. From enormous stuffed roots to a seven-foot-long quilt representing “Deep Earth Time,” the Wayfinding Project emerged as an exploration of the “what is” and the “way through.”
A Journey Through the Wayfinding Exhibit
Imagine stepping into an exhibit space filled with fiber sculptures hanging from the ceiling, inviting visitors to walk through a visual and tactile experience. The first section, What Is, confronts viewers with the stark realities of cultural and climate disruption: oceanic shifts, biodiversity loss, the fraying of democracy, and the loneliness and fear gripping so many.
As visitors move forward, they enter The Way Through: Building Resilience and Empathy, an immersive space where resilience, connection, and community are explored. Here, elements like 3-D stuffed “arms to hold you” and a quilted “cape of the earth” envelop visitors, symbolizing the power of community and our interconnectedness with the natural world. This section offers an invitation and encouragement to support one another as we journey through these challenging times.
Other parts of the experience help us to imagine What is Possible, Our Part to Play, as well as Exploring Community Building and Conversation.
The Vision for Resilience and Collective Action
Gina envisions Wayfinding as more than an exhibit; it will become a traveling project to spark regional conversations and inspire personal and community action. Local artists will be invited to join with their own works, contributing to a collective narrative of cultural resilience in each region the exhibit visits. This traveling showcase aims to create a unified movement toward a more connected and sustainable future.
“Wayfinding is my visual interpretation of our deep grief about the unraveling world and a vision of how we can find the way through together.”
Get Involved with Wayfinding
Join the Journey
Want to be a part of Wayfinding? Subscribe to our mailing list for updates on the exhibit, new art pieces, and Gina’s insights on resilience and empathy.
Share Your Input
Gina welcomes community input—virtual or in-person—to share your thoughts on the art and exhibit. Your perspective is vital to the project’s growth. Contact info@KelloggSisters.com to schedule.
Support the Project
To bring this ambitious vision to life, we welcome financial and in-kind donations to cover travel, materials, and exhibit support. Donate Here.
Host or Sponsor the Exhibit
Help bring Wayfinding to new locations by sponsoring or hosting the exhibit in your area. If you have venue suggestions, reach out to info@KelloggSisters.com.
Contribute Your Art
Artists of all ages are encouraged to add their own works when Wayfinding arrives in your community. Email info@KelloggSisters.com to learn more.
Wayfinding Overview
View a collection of a few iconic pieces from this project below. To preview the collection in it’s entirety, visit the project Pinterest board HERE.
