In partnership with The Diversity Center (TDC) and The Humanities Institute, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) is proud to present the Threads of Love: The AIDS Memorial Quilt—a powerful exhibition that reflects on the profound impact the HIV/AIDS epidemic had on the LGBTQ+ community. It celebrates the enduring resilience, love, and activism that has defined their collective journey.

The exhibit will run from May 30th – June 29th.

Threads of Love is more than an art exhibit; it is a living love letter to the past, present, and future of the LGBTQ+ community. The exhibit seeks to educate, inspire, and engage visitors in a reflection of the challenges faced during the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis and the meaningful exploration of our shared history. As Santa Cruz Pride marks its 50th anniversary, the Threads of Love exhibit serves as a celebration of our community’s ongoing commitment to social justice, advocacy, mutual support, and well-being.

Central to the exhibit will be panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the memories that continue to sustain us. Alongside the AIDS Memorial Quilt, will be a display of a diverse collection of artwork created by local students and community members displaying the focus of HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and education. Threads of Love was inspired by a Queer teen from Santa Cruz High School who expressed a desire to see the AIDS Memorial Quilt after attending The Diversity Center’s youth programming event at the Queer Santa Cruz exhibit at the MAH.

As part of this initiative, The Diversity Center will be hosting monthly art workshops where community members can create art for the exhibit. More information here.

Banner Image: Display of AIDS quilts at Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 1989. Donated by T. Lark Letchworth to the Santa Cruz County LGBTQ+ Collection, MAH Archives.