Local Embroidery Artist Helps Foster Children Share Their Voice Through Art

Annapolis, MD – After over 200+ hours of work, 15+ yards of fabric, batting, and skilled embroidery, 12 current foster youth were provided a medium to share their experiences in foster care through a quilt commissioned by Anne Arundel County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Inc.

The Silenced Voices of Foster Care Quilt© was created by Ms. Geri Finio, a lifelong hand-embroiderer and sewing enthusiast with a love for the many mediums of stitchery and a critical eye for detail.

“I created the quilt so that some of Anne Arundel County’s abused and neglected children could have a way to express what they were feeling about their experiences in care,” commented Finio, owner of Studio 187 located in Edgewater. “Sometimes these children can’t come right out and say how they are feeling, so art is a good way for them put it all out there and begin the healing process,” she added.

A select number of CASA volunteers were asked to accompany their child to pick out fabrics for the quilt. Each child was encouraged to pick fabrics that were meaningful to them. Then the children traced their hand on the fabric. As CASA volunteers talked with their children about their experience in foster care, they made a note of what each child said.

“It’s important for these children to realize that what happens to them as children doesn’t have to define them as an adult,” said Finio. “While the quilt only had 12 panels representing children, we envision that any child who sees the quilt while it’s on display in the CASA office will see that there are others who share similar experiences and there is always hope for a brighter future.”

“The CASA staff and I were invited to Geri’s home for lunch and for the ‘unveiling of the quilt’ and it was truly an emotional experience,” said Rebecca Tingle, Executive Director for Anne Arundel County CASA, Inc. “The project was in the works for well over a year, and we are so grateful to Geri for her vision and her passion for what we do!”

Those interested in viewing the quilt, or learning more about the work of Anne Arundel County CASA are encouraged to contact Rebecca Tingle at rebecca@aacasa.org or 410.267.7877 ext. 6. To make a donation in support of the program, please visit www.aacasa.org.

About AACCASA, Inc.
Since 1997, Anne Arundel County CASA, Inc. (AACCASA) has advocated for abused and neglected children who are involved in juvenile court proceeding through no fault of their own. The nonprofit achieves this mission through the dedicated work of volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), who provide unwavering support for children to ensure their undeniable right to sage, stable and permanent homes. AACCASA has served more than 593 children since its inception and has served 129 children this fiscal year who are under court protection in the county.

About Geri Finio

Geri Finio is a lifelong hand-embroiderer and sewing enthusiast with a love for the many mediums of stitchery and a critical eye for detail. After a successful career in corporate computer technology, she shifted gears to follow her passion. Her strong technology background compliments her artisan talents, as she combines digitized and hand-guided machine embroidery to create innovative designs. Geri collaborates with high profile artists, interior designers and private clientele, tailoring designs to meet individual needs. In addition, she specializes in a variety of limited production items. Her focus is on elevating the status of embroidery to a level it once enjoyed: A symbol of beauty and refinement. She works out of her home studio located in Edgewater, with hours by appointment only. Please visit her website at www.studio187.net to learn more about her.