Category: Events

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Unveil the Power of Stories with Theda Sandiford at Touchstone Center for Crafts

An Invitation to Reflect and Engage

Touchstone Center for Crafts invites you to the Free Your Mind Artist Talk with me, Theda Sandiford. Join us on d Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. for an enlightening experience, available both in-person and on Zoom.

Exploring Free Your Mind

Free Your Mind project is a public textile art installation that collects, showcases, and liberates personal narratives about microaggressions. This project not only highlights these experiences but also provides a platform for healing and awareness through art.

Event Features

  • Direct from the Artist: Hear Theda Sandiford discuss the creative journey and the impactful stories behind Free Your Mind.
  • Engage in Dialogue: Participate in a thought-provoking conversation about the role of art in addressing social issues.
  • Flexibility in Attendance: Join the talk from anywhere by registering in advance for the Zoom session on September 24.

Be Part of the Experience

Join us for this meaningful event that blends art with powerful storytelling. Register for the Zoom talk on September 24 and prepare to be inspired.

[REGISTER FOR SEPTEMBER 24]

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Upcoming Presentations: Free Your Mind at Two Conferences

I am thrilled to share that I will be presenting Free Your Mind at two upcoming prestigious events this November!

American Folklore Society Annual Conference

Dates: November 6-9
Location: Albuquerque, NM

Attendees of the American Folklore Society Annual Conference will have an opportunity to participate in Free Your Mind interactive exhibition and explore their own implicit biases and release any microaggressions.   I am looking forward to opportunity to connect with folklorists to share insights and expanding my understanding diverse American folklore.

2024 Textile Society of America Symposium: “Shifts and Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles”

Dates: November 12-17
Location: Zoom

The second presentation will be at the 2024 Textile Society of America Symposium, titled “Shifts and Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles.” During this virtual event, I’ll be discussing how Free Your Mind uses textiles and memory to convey emotions, and create healing, thereby pushing the boundaries of traditional textile art.

I look forward to engaging with participants and sharing the journey of Free Your Mind with a broader audience.

Stay tuned for more updates as I prepare for these exciting events!

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Upcoming Travels: NY/NJ/PA Adventure

I’m excited to share that I will be in NY/NJ/PA from August 24 through September 29. My journey begins in New York and New Jersey, where I’ll be spending time looking after my parents, catching up with friends, and soaking up inspiration at The Armory Show.

After that, I’m heading back to Pennsylvania for a second two-week residency at the Touchstone Center for Crafts in the beautiful Allegany Mountains. During this time, my cell and Wi-Fi service will be limited, offering a blissful retreat from the digital world.

If you’d like to connect while I’m stateside, please send me a direct message. I’d love to schedule some time to catch up!

Looking forward to this inspiring and invigorating journey.

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Engage with Theda Sandiford’s Art at Touchstone Center for Crafts

A Journey Through Art and Emotion

I am excited to co-host the Free Your Mind Artist Talk fat Touchstone Center for Crafts. Set aside Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. for an enriching session, available both in-person and on Zoom.

About the Project

Free Your Mind, is a compelling textile art project that aims to gather and liberate personal stories of microaggressions. Through this multi-sensory installation, I am transforming these narratives into a powerful public art piece that invites introspection and dialogue.

Why You Should Attend

  • Insightful Discussions: Hear me share the creative and emotional process behind Free Your Mind.
  • Community Engagement: Participate in discussions that highlight the significance of addressing microaggressions through art.
  • Convenient Access: Whether you’re attending in person or via Zoom, make sure to register in advance for the online session on September 24.

Reserve Your Spot

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with art that speaks volumes. Register for the Zoom talk on September 24 and join us in celebrating the power of artistic expression.

[REGISTER FOR SEPTEMBER 24]

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Experience the Transformative Power of Art

Art with a Purpose

I am thrilled to invite you to the Free Your Mind Artist Talk at Touchstone Center for Crafts. Join me on Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. to explore the profound impact of my work, either in person or through Zoom.

The Heart of Free Your Mind

Free Your Mind project is more than just art; it is a public textile installation that captures and liberates personal stories of microaggressions. This powerful work uses the medium of textile to weave together narratives that resonate on a deeply emotional level.

Event Highlights

  • Artist’s Perspective: Learn directly from me about the journey and vision behind Free Your Mind.
  • Interactive Experience: Engage with the artist and other attendees in meaningful conversations about the artwork and its themes.
  • Accessible to All: Join us from anywhere via Zoom. Ensure you register in advance for the September 24 talk.

Join the Conversation

Be part of this extraordinary event that combines art, storytelling, and social commentary. Register for the Zoom talk on September 24 today, and prepare to embark on a journey of artistic liberation.

[REGISTER FOR SEPTEMBER 24]

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YAY! It’s Really Happening!

My talk proposal; Free Your Mind: A Social Justice Public Art Project was accepted for presentation at the 2024 Textile Society of America Symposium titled “Shifts and Strands: Rethinking the Possibilities and Potentials of Textiles”. The Symposium will be held virtually on Zoom from November 12-17, 2024.

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Discover the Art of Liberation with Theda Sandiford at Touchstone Center for Crafts

Unlock Creativity and Insight

Join me for an inspiring Free Your Mind artist talk at Touchstone Center for Crafts . Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m. Whether you join us on Zoom or in-person, this is an experience you won’t want to miss.

My Vision

Free Your Mind project is a powerful textile art installation that delves deep into personal narratives surrounding microaggressions. This multi-sensory endeavor not only showcases these stories but also embeds and liberates them through art, creating a space for reflection and understanding.

Why Attend?

  • Hear from the Artist: Gain unique insights into my creative process and the inspiration behind the Free Your Mind project.
  • Engage and Reflect: Participate in a dialogue that challenges perceptions and fosters a deeper understanding of microaggressions through the lens of art.
  • Flexible Attendance: Whether you’re nearby or far away, join me either in person or via Zoom. Please remember to register in advance for the Zoom talk on September 24.

Register Today

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative artistic experience. Register now for the Zoom talk on September 24 and get ready to free your mind .

[REGISTER FOR SEPTEMBER 24]

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February  & Beyond Blog

Artist in Residence @ Surface Design Association:  – Parallel Play  

Conference Dates:  January 27- February 3

Open Studio Jan 29 @ 2:00pm ET

Open Studio Feb 1 @ 2:00pm ET

Artist Talk Feb 3 @ 3:00pm ET

Warriors

Exhibition Dates: February 3- 25

Opening Reception: Saturday, February 3 from 5 to 8 pm.

Location: Art House Gallery: 345 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 

Weaving As Artistic Expression

Date: February 8th, 8:00pm ET

Location: Hudson Valley Mohawk Weavers Zoom

Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined

Exhibition Dates: February 9- April 21

Opening Reception: February 9 from 5 to  7pm.

Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center; 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD 

ONGOING

Ponytails and Door Knocker Earring Installation

Dates: January 17-  July 17

Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY

UPCOMING

Touchstone Artist Residency

Dates: May 10-24

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Free Your Mind @ Touchstone

Dates: May 17 – September 20

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry

Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024

Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ

Free Your Mind @ 2024 Discover

Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30

Opening Reception: June 7, 5:00-9:00 pm

Location: Delaware Contemporary; 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE

Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15

Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN  

Touchstone Artist Residency

Dates: September 13-27

Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

In Person Free Your Mind Artist  Talk 

Dates: September 20

Location:  Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

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Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities

The White House Domestic Policy Council and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) are hosting a first-of-its-kind summit “Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities” on January 30th in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the transformative power of culture in shaping our lives, communities, and nation, and to find new paths to arts integration across government agencies.

Many arts agencies, service organizations, and cultural institutions across the country are leading innovative efforts with artists and arts organizations, working across disciplines and with multiple sectors to address serious issues in their communities. Through this national conversation the NEA will consider the ideas, policies, and actions they can take to better integrate and elevate the arts and humanities throughout our country. If you would to help tell this story, please sign up as a virtual attendee.

Healing, Bridging, Thriving: A Summit on Arts and Culture in our Communities
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
9:00 a.m.–3:45 p.m. ET

Signup as a virtual attendee of the Summit 

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Join me at SDA 2024 Conference – Parallel Play

Exploring the Intersection of Individual Artistic Vision and Group Creativity

January 27 – February 3, 2024


How does the synergy of collective creativity influence your artistic approach? In what ways do you derive inspiration from your creative community?

SDA’s upcoming online conference in 2024, titled “Parallel Play,” aspires to construct a communal environment where the confluence of individual artistic perspectives and collaborative creativity can be thoroughly explored.

Engage with fellow creators to investigate the transformative power of cross-disciplinary interactions, diverse interpretations, and shared discoveries in shaping innovative thought processes.

Immerse yourself in a week-long experience featuring presentations by esteemed speakers Ruth E. Carter and Nnenna Okore, accompanied by over 15 hours of diverse programming.

I will be participating as the conference as Artist in Residence with open studio hours on

  • Monday January 29, 2pm ET
  • Thursday February 1, 2pm ET

Please register through SDA’s website. The conference will be held over Zoom and will be recorded and available to attendees until the end of March 2024.