This fiber art contribution to the Felting the Future project was created by JMH of Owensboro in Daviess County, who also shared the following reflection:
What is your hope for the future?
I hope for the future that those given power lead with empathy, compassion, and with an open mind. I hope that everyone, regardless of power or status, has more of an open mind to try to understand and appreciate the millions of differing perspectives, opinions, and lived experiences.
Describe a time when you had to work hard to find hope and resilience.
Growing up in a household that was very close-minded and religiously zealous (in the detrimental, negative way) made it hard to learn about myself. Leaving that environment and learning more about the world makes it hard to return home where they are still so closed minded. I suppose it’s hard to maintain hope that they will change, but I do.
What advice would you offer to a younger version of yourself?
Stay curious, stay open-minded, love those you choose to surround yourself with who support you to be your best self and challenge you to be better.
What wisdom do you hope your future self carries with her/them?
That you can’t change everyone’s mind or force people to be better. It’s a journey and choice everyone has to make for themselves.
Felting the Future is a participatory art project that is bringing together 500 Kentuckians to imagine and shape a hopeful vision of what lies ahead. Using the ancient technique of felting, participants of all ages and backgrounds are creating handmade pieces that will be joined into one large, colorful installation, which will tour the Commonwealth beginning in summer 2026. This project is coordinated by artist Kris Grenier (@krisgrenierart) and supported by the Kentucky Foundation for Women (@kyfound4women).
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