Quilt of rape survivors’ stories to blanket Centennial Park

A quilt the size of two basketball courts will cover the lawn in front of the Parthenon at Centennial Park on Wednesday.

It’s a public art project that on each square gives victims of sexual assault and their supporters a place to express themselves.

The squares read things like: “I vow to be a safe man.” “I hurt, I heal.” “I did not deserve it.” “Rape is a social justice issue that affects everyone.”

The massive and mobile piece of art is called The Monument Quilt, and it’s moved around the country by FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture, an organization that uses public art and demonstrations to battle sexual assault and bring victims together.

The project is stopping in Nashville during the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence’s Rape Prevention Education Institute, an annual training conference for professionals who work with victims of violence.

“Being able to display the quilt is an opportunity to raise awareness for the community and create a space for survivors,” said Kathy Walsh, executive director of the coalition. “We hope they will come to view the quilt and be able to talk to other survivors.”

Not just view. People can make a square for the quilt and learn more about other resources to prevent sexual assault in Middle Tennessee. The quilt is brought to Nashville for its first visit to Tennessee by the coalition and the Sexual Assault Center.

Reach Stacey Barchenger at 615-726-8968 and on Twitter @sbarchenger.

If you go

What: The Monument Quilt, a massive public art project made up of 650 stories (and counting) on individual squares.

Where: Parthenon lawn, Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave., Nashville

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday

More info: facebook.com/events/1464733803819254; 615-386-9406