The Project: Ten years ago, a vision came to me, and with it an artistic calling: I would build a modern version of the Torah's Mishkan, an ancient, portable prayer space. Imagine entering a space where you are embraced by a Torah scroll, 8 feet tall and 28 feet long, built on a lightweight aluminum frame. The silk-backed fabric scroll contains the hand-painted Hebrew text of 613 commandments (mitzvot) taken from the Torah. The rear chamber welcomes you to stand under a three-sided silk canopy (chuppah) where you will feel enveloped by the branches of a colorful, luminescent painted Tree of Life (Etz Chayim). A copper vase awaits your prayers to be dropped inside.

The Modern Mishkan is a sacred space for any kind of reflection and sharing. When you enter the Mishkan you are invited to connect with something bigger than yourself.

Who: My name is Diane Fredgant and I am a Jewish silk painter and sculptor. For 25 years I have been working with Jewish people around the world to paint custom silk tallitot, wallhangings, and challah covers and support the Jewish Community with art. If you would like to look at some of my artwork, please click this link: https://www.silksbydiane.org/

I am a co-founder and former president of ORA Northwest Jewish Artists based in Portland, OR. I am fundraising to support this artistic project I’ve been working on for five years with great community educational and spiritual value.

Needs: Any donations you offer will go toward paying for silk painting supplies (silk, dyes, fabric paints, etc.), increasing the chuppah’s aluminum framing segments from 4ft. to 8ft., programming costs for havdalah, a professional photographer and musicians. Your donation would also cover travel expenses so I can bring this sacred space to a variety of communities around the country.

New aluminum frame

In the beginning stage of this enormous project, I received grants from the Stein Family Charity Fund, the American Guild for Jewish Artists, and the Regional Arts and Culture Council.

I am asking for $10,000 to continue this amazing project. This next iteration of the Modern Mishkan is going to be even more beautiful and meaningful. I so appreciate your support. It’s not easy for me to ask for this, but I believe in this project and the good it can do. Thank you, Diane Fredgant.