Felting the Future

This fiber art contribution to the Felting the Future project was created by Ally M. of Lexington in Fayette County, who also shared the following reflection:

What is your hope for the future?

I hope we will live in a kinder, more peaceful world. I hope we will live in a place that values the lives and learned experiences of others more than the riches of a few. 

I hope we will live in a clean, safe, loving world that will thrive for generations to come. 

I hope that I live to see the trees I’ve planted grow. <3 – past me

Describe a time when you had to work hard to find hope and resilience.

As someone who has been chronically ill since I was 12, there have been many times where I struggled to wake up each day. Pain, fatigue, and hopelessness feel overwhelming on some days; but I keep going – for me. 

As a social worker, I am constantly surrounded by this overwhelm of others. I keep fighting for them. I hold hope for us both. We keep going. <3 – ally

What advice would you offer to a younger version of yourself?

• Be kinder to yourself, it starts with you. 
• No one cares about you as much as you do 
• Eat the fucking food – its ok 
• Invest in your friendships, the good ones 
• Not everyone needs to know everything 
• Be nicer to your mom 
• Never stop creating 
• Stand up for yourself 

<3 – Future me

What wisdom do you hope your future self carries with her/them?

I hope she carries a joy for learning, crafting, living, and loving. 

I hope she learns to stop the noise in and around her to focus on these precious moments. 

I hope she takes care of herself and gives the same love to herself that she so freely gives to others. 

I hope she knows she is worthy of good things 

<3 – past me 

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 2027. This project is coordinated by artist Kris Grenier (@krisgrenierart) and supported by the Kentucky Foundation for Women (@kyfound4women).