Kishorit: A creative kibbutz

Fabric of Life: Wall Hangings

While walking through the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh's Irene Kaufmann Building, you simply can't miss Fabric of Life: Wall Hangings. On display in the Fine Perlow Weis Gallery, which is essentially a large room in the middle of the building, the wall hangings become part of the community space, livening the walls with blocks of colorful collages.

Untitled, Nir Yaron

Stitched from various cuts of fabric, each of the 14 untitled wall hangings has its own personality. The creators' choices of color, print, texture, and stitched detail are distinct from one work to the next.

Untitled, Sigal Rachamim

Each textile was made by a member of Kishorit, a kibbutz (Hebrew for "communal settlement") in Israel that facilitates self-sufficiency for those with physical, emotional, and mental challenges. Living at Kishorit enables its 140 members to maximize their independence and work together with staff to maintain a stable community. Kishorit's efforts are visible in the greater Israeli community too. They sell organic eggs, vegetables, and milk from their farms, and they sell toys from their factory called Pasteltoys.

This is the first time the Kishorit wall hangings have been exhibited in the United States, and they will be for sale. All wall hangings are priced at $1,100 with proceeds benefiting Kishorit. Fabric of Life: Wall Hangings is on display at the JCC through July 27.