The Welcome Blanket Project is a national initiative that began in 2017. Conceived by artist Jayna Sweiman, it reimagines the concept of a border wall – replacing it with 2,000 miles of handmade blankets. Since its inception, more than 7,500 blankets have been made across the United States and around the world.
A local group was formed in Olympia this spring after founding member Aviva Furman saw a Welcome Blanket exhibition at LAX Airport. Traditionally, the blankets are displayed before being gifted to local immigrant organizations. Exhibits have been held in museums, cultural centers, and airports across the country, and now Olympia City Hall, along the second-floor corridor. The exhibition runs from November 25-December 30, 2025.
Furman notes “As Olympia is a Sanctuary City, displaying the blankets in City Hall is a meaningful expression of our community’s commitment to inclusion and compassion. Exhibited blankets have been lovingly made by six knitters and crocheters, along with a group of children from an interfaith summer camp. The display includes stories of immigration from our own grandparents and great-grandparents, as well as ‘Words of Welcome’ from the community.”
Following the exhibition, the blankets will be gifted to immigrants through AGUA – Accompaniment Group for Unity and Action, a local organization that supports immigrants during court hearings, ICE check-ins, and USCIS interviews. Each blanket will be accompanied by a heartfelt note of welcome and a personal immigration story. Furman continues “In this moment in history, when immigrants continue to face harsh and unjust treatment, we believe it is especially important to offer kindness and solidarity – to warmly say, ‘You belong here’.”
Please join us Wednesday, December 17, 3-5:30PM, Room 207, Olympia city Hall for a Knit-In and Roundtable Discussion with local immigration advocates from AGUA, LISO (Legal Immigration Services of Olympia) and the thurston Rapid Response Network. Come at 3 PM to start a yarn square, or 4 PM for the roundtable. Both events are free to the public –
For more information, contact welcome.blanket.nw@gmail.com
Be First to Comment