Discovery Center to show section of AIDS memorial quilt

Each section measures 12 feet long by 12 feet wide. Sections are generally made up of eight individual panels, each measuring 3 feet by 6 feet, the average dimensions of a human grave. The entire Quilt comprises more than 44,000 panels into which are sewn some 84,000 names. It covers an area equal to 25 football fields and weighs more than 50 tons. New panels are added to the Quilt each day because each day AIDS continues to claims lives.

"The AIDS Memorial Quilt celebrates life while broadening awareness," said Patty Garland, curator of exhibits at the center. "Each piece of the Quilt is a work of art and helps each person to be remembered as a special and unique individual."

Now twelve years old, the Quilt shows the humanity behind the cruel statistics of AIDS. The NAMES Project's Atlanta national office, 52 chapters, and 37 international affiliates show the Quilt nearly 2,200 times each year to help bring an end to the AIDS epidemic. Quilt displays increase public awareness about AIDS, raise funds for AIDS services, and assist the HIV prevention education.

Accompanying the two sections of the AIDS Memorial Quilt is the exhibit "A Positive Life: Women Living with HIV."

River Huston, a renowned author and an HIV-positive woman, has assembled stories and photos of the effects of HIV on women across America. Her book, A Positive Life: Women Living with HIV, is a collection of tragedy and triumph that leaves little doubt of women's vulnerability to HIV.

To find out how to make a panel for the Quilt, or for more information, call NAMES Project Portland Chapter at (503) 797-2882, or (541) 296-2975 or visit on-line at www.aidsquilt.org.