This interview posted above is from SDPB's daily public-affairs show, In the Moment, hosted by Lori Walsh.

What started as an effort to increase vaccine confidence evolves into art project building community connections.

For three months, thanks to a grant from the CDC, the Vermillion Cultural Association traveled the state creating barn quilts with South Dakota residents.

The quilts, made with construction paper, are inspired by traditional designs. They also contain messages of inspiration and perseverance.

Shannon Cole is the Executive Director of the Vermillion Cultural Association. She told Lori Walsh on In the Moment that the barn quilt project helped to kickstart a conversation about what was lost and what people can be thankful for during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cole says doing something small and being creative goes a long way to improving health and wellbeing.

Nine communities and more than 500 people participated in the barn quilt project. You can see some of the quilts at the Coyote Twin Theater and First Dakota Coyote Gallery in downtown Vermillion.