A quilt made by Tanner physician Leslie Cottrell, MD, is featured in the Southeastern Quilt & Textile Museum’s new pandemic-inspired exhibit, “Making It Through,” honoring the work of healthcare providers in the
COVID-19 fight.
Dr. Cottrell’s quilt, “Busy as Bees With So Much Loss,” is on display for public viewing at Tanner Medical Center/Carrollton as part of Tanner’s system-wide healing arts offerings — which includes music, water therapy and visual art — for the enjoyment of patients, visitors, physicians and staff.
In partnership with the museum, Tanner maintains a rotating display of quilts from the museum just off the John Burson III, MD, Atrium at the Dixie Street entrance.
A quilter for almost 40 years, Dr. Cottrell, a family medicine specialist with Tanner Urgent Care, said the craft is similar to being a physician: “You get to piece a problem together to find a solution.”
Raised doing “needle arts” like cross stitch and sewing, she began quilting during medical school with a lap quilt under the tutelage of her Great Aunt Betty.
Quilting is also therapeutic, she said.
“Quilting uses the opposite side of my brain from my work as a physician,” said Dr. Cottrell. “Quilting is an artistic hobby that requires creativity and formulating how to present your subject. Quilting is also very relaxing to do while watching TV or waiting for my children when they were at soccer practice, chorus rehearsals, etc. I love listening to a book on Audible and quilting.”
Her latest quilt, now on display, is made of 14 different fabrics and features four hidden “bee” themes.
“The album quilt pattern was chosen because we need to remember ‘Sheltering in Place 2020.’ Bee fabric represents the tremendous energy expended working, preparing, caring during the pandemic. The backdrop is dark because of overarching feelings of fear and loss.”
The complete exhibit of quilts is on display at the museum located at 306 Bradley Street in Carrollton. Quilters were challenged to create from fabrics and materials that they found in their homes for this special exhibit which runs through the end of 2021. For more information on the exhibit, visit southeasternquiltandtextilemuseum.org.
For more information on Tanner’s healing arts offerings, visit tanner.org/patients-and-visitors/visiting-tanner/healing-arts.