The Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative (AAQI) is an Internet-driven, grassroots, totally volunteer effort to raise awareness and fund research through art. We are a Michigan nonprofit corporation with tax-exempt status. All profit is used to fund Alzheimer's research. Since the AAQI began we have raised more

than $280,000 for Alzheimer's research.

The AAQI currently administer two major programs. The first is a nationwide traveling quilt exhibit called "Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece By Piece." It contains 52 quilts each interpreting Alzheimer's in some way. So far, more than 190,000 people have had the opportunity to see this exhibit. It will continue to crisscross the country until 2010. A book and a CD of the exhibit are available for purchase.

The second is the "Priority: Alzheimer's Quilts" project, so named for the urgent need for research dollars and the requirement that these quilts must fit into a cardboard USPS priority mailer without folding. They are small works of art no larger than 9 inches by 12 inches, auctioned on the first day of each month (click here) or sold outright on the Internet or at selected venues across the United States.

5.2 million Americans (and half a million Canadians) are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease. I began the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative because I think it is possible to make a difference, one quilt at a time.

If you agree, please join me,

Ami Simms
Founder & Executive Director,
Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative
Curator, "Alzheimer's: Forgetting Piece by Piece
Alzheimer's Art Quilt Iniative homepage

Christine's note:  Even though this is a U.S. based effort, the results of Alzheimer's research benefits those of us living in Canada as well, AND we can all shop online or, even more fun, make a 'priority quilt' to contribute!