HIV/AIDS Memorial Quilt Project of the Gold Coast

An exhibit at Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) brings together memorial quilts, archival materials and student research to explore the HIV/AIDS epidemic and Ventura County’s community response. 

The “HIV/AIDS Memorial Quilt Project of the Gold Coast” display is on view through the end of October in Broome Gallery in the John Spoor Broome Library. A closing reception will take place Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery. All are welcome to attend. 

 

This memorial quilt panel honors Robert “Bob” Pimentel and highlights his military service and community involvement.

 

The exhibit features quilts produced by Quilt Project Gold Coast, a local nonprofit serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. The organization preserves and shares quilt panels and stories commemorating individuals affected by HIV/AIDS while promoting education, remembrance, awareness, and community connection. 

During the 1980s and 1990s, fear, misinformation and homophobia contributed to widespread stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ communities. Many faced rejection and harmful stereotypes at a time when compassion and support were urgently needed. 

Throughout Ventura County, community organizations and advocates responded with public education, prevention programs, fundraising, and awareness events. Ventura Gay Pride, AIDS walks and HIV/AIDS seminars encouraged community involvement and support for those affected. Educational programs increased awareness of HIV transmission, testing and care. 

These efforts challenged the silence surrounding HIV/AIDS, connected people with resources and strengthened networks of support among local organizations, volunteers and residents. 

 

A memorial quilt panel commemorates Rodney L. Widerburg, 1962–2001.

 

The exhibit builds on that history through health information, archival materials and student-created interpretation. Connections to contemporary public health experiences, including COVID-19, invite visitors to consider how stigma, misinformation, advocacy, community response, and health inequities shape people’s experiences during public health crises. 

 

An informational chart presents HIV diagnosis and mortality figures for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Figures marked with asterisks are preliminary; 2026 diagnosis totals reflect different reporting dates for each county.

 

Students in the Health Science program’s senior capstone course, HLTH 499, conducted archival research and developed information panels about HIV/AIDS in Ventura County, along with extended labels for the quilts. Evelyn Taylor and Sebastian Hunt supported work with Quilt Project Gold Coast’s archival materials, some of which are included in the display. 

Supported by Institutionally Related Activities (IRA) funding, the exhibit and its programs are a collaboration among Quilt Project Gold Coast, the Art program, Broome Library archivists, the CSUCI Queer Alliance Affinity Group, and the Health Science capstone class. Art program staff Jessica Vasquez, Ivan Grooms and Carlos Heredia supported the installation and helped facilitate the display and its programs. 

The University encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, events, and activities. If you anticipate needing accommodations or services, or have questions about access, please contact the appropriate office below as soon as possible, preferably at least seven (7) business days prior to the event or activity: 

• CSUCI students: accommodations@csuci.edu 

• CSUCI employees or members of the public: hraccommodations@csuci.edu