What is a Dream Theme Panel?

When you are creating a Dream Theme Panel, you might think about the possible Dream Themes we have listed. While thinking about your theme ask yourself, “What would my dream be for a better future in relation to this Theme?” Your panel can be designed any way you would like. It could be very abstract or very realistic, or somewhere in the middle.

Can I choose my own Dream Theme?

There are no restrictions to what Dream Theme you can choose to express in your panel. You are free to dream whatever you would like. The Dream Team simply has provided some possibilities of themes to help you take that first. However, when you mail in your form with your panel, you will be asked to circle a listed Dream Theme just so that our staff will know where to post an image of your panel, and this will also help you to find where your panel’s image is posted on our website for future reference.

Once we receive your submitted panel we will post an image of it's story on our Flicker account. Click on the 'Fr' link below.

Now what?

1. First, make sure to reserve a spot for your panel (see Reserve Your Spot)

2. Submit your Panels on one of the dates listed on the Reservation page

3. Your Dream Theme panel needs to be 2 feet x 2 feet squared (0.60960 meters x 0.60960 meters)

or for a Mini Dream Theme 1 foot x 1 foot squared (0.30480 meters x 0.30480 meters)

4. Submit your form with your Panel (download or print PDF form here)

5. Because your panel will be far from the ground, we recommend you try using BRIGHT COLORS! (if possible)

Examples of Backer Material: Canvas, Burlap, Cotton, Recycled Material, etc. (However backing is not required if you are crocheting, knitting, or weaving your panel.

Yes: You can choose to finish your edges, however no batting is required.

Examples of Techniques: Painting, Collage, Weaving, Crochet, Quilting, Knitting, Stitching, Felting. You can invent your own technique, I have seen people whom print photographs on fabric, or even use laminating to put a collage together to create their panel.

Examples of Materials: Lots of recyclables, fabric, plastics, waterproof glue, acrylic paint, candy wrappers, buttons, cut-up recycled clothing, oil Pastels,

Recyclable Examples: Trash Bags, Old Cassett Tape, Soda Labels, (all of which is soft and sewable).

Quilting, Applique, Maching Sewing, Painting, Stitching, Cotton, Digital Images cut and Sewn,
Ribbon, Silk, Acrylic Paint, Plastic Tarp, Fabrics, Hand Sewing, Buttons, Beads, Dolls, Jute, Sharee,
Handmade Fabric, Felt, Fusible Fibers, Water Proof Glue, Yarns, Nylon, and Polyester, Permenant Ink Markers,
Commercial Cotton, Batik Cotton, Cotton Batting, Wonder Under, Misty Fuse, Angelina Fibers, Tayon Thread, All Purpose Thread,
Beads-Glass, Acrylic Paint, Free-Motion Quilting, Beading.

Panels need to be on the soft side and flexable, in other words no metal, wood, or others like these.

Note: Remember that The Dream Rocket quilt will be outdoors for 60 days. Even though we will be taking precautions, please do NOT submit any paper products (cardboard, handmade paper, etc.) or any unstable fabric dyes. Also make sure your panel will not fall apart easily. Thank You!

Mailing Address for Submitted Panel & Form:

Attention: Jennifer Marsh/The Dream Rocket
Department of Art & Art History, RH 313
University of Alabama in Huntsville
301 Sparkman Dr.
Huntsville, Alabama 35899

The Why Dream page will develop over the course of this project. It will contain text, quotes, and stories gathered from participants and other sources. To add content to this page, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .


Follow your dream…take one step at a time and don’t settle for less, just continue to climb. Follow your dream…if you stumble, don’t stop and lose sight of your goal, press on to the top…For only on top can we see the whole view, can we see what we’ve done and what we can do, can we then have the vision to seek something new… Press on, and follow your dream.
-Amanda Bradley

“…Imagine a world free from the injustice of hunger…

By Bill Ayres, Executive Director of WHY, www.whyhunger.org

Why Dream/  Flo Wang Shanghai, China, Gas Station Panel

Imagine a coalition of youth around the country joining our new President in his pledge to end hunger by the year 2015 for the 12.6 million children in the United States that are unsure when they will eat.

Imagine school lunchrooms serving nutritious and tasty hot meals everyday to ALL STUDENTS prepared from fresh ingredients many of which come from local farms.

Imagine a Summer Feeding Program that actually feeds millions of hungry children during the summer when they are not receiving school meals.

Imagine vacant lots and roof top turned into food-producing gardens in every neighborhood in the country.

Imagine soup kitchens and homeless shelters working hand-in-hand with community non-profits and social service agencies to feed and house people while helping them prepare for a better future.

Imagine a world where access to healthy, fresh food at all times for all people is considered a basic human right and is guaranteed as such by governments and citizens alike.

Imagine youth from every country building a global movement to end hunger and poverty for the more than 900 million people around the world who suffer from hunger on a daily basis and the 16,000 children who die from hunger-related causes every day.

Imagine kids making a difference! I can.”

Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world. -Joel Barker

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. -Eleanor Roosevelt