Category: Exhibitions

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Free Your Mind at The Future Belongs to the Loving

I’m honored and excited to share that my interactive installation Free Your Mind will be featured in the upcoming exhibition The Future Belongs to the Loving, on view from May 3 through July 31, 2025 at MAPSpace, located at 6 N Pearl St, 4th Floor, Port Chester, NY.

This show could not be more timely—or more necessary.

Opening Day is May 3rd, and it promises to be a vibrant, full-day celebration of collective creativity, healing, and resistance through the power of art. From morning coffee and community connection to workshops, performances, and living sculpture, the day will be brimming with opportunities to engage, reflect, and rejoice.

Exhibition + Opening Day Details:

May 3, 2025 | 🕚 11am – 7pm
MAPSpace, 6 N Pearl St 4th Floor, Port Chester, NY
Visit MAPSpace

Collaborative Events Schedule:

  • 11:00–11:30 AM – Coffee + Welcome Remarks
  • 11:30–12:30 PM – Sound Bath Workshop with Serena Buschi
  • 1:00–5:00 PM – Rotating Presentations with Theda Sandiford (that’s me!), Natlaya Khorover, and Michael Sylvan Robinson
  • 5:00 PM – Performance by Ms Muscle
  • 5:00–7:00 PM – Living Sculpture with Amy Keefer

About Free Your Mind

Free Your Mind invites viewers and participants alike to confront and release the weight of microaggressions—those subtle, often unintentional moments that carry very real emotional impact.

This piece provides a space of craftivist healing. Participants inscribe the microaggressions they’ve experienced on colorful ribbons, tying them onto the installation and quite literally freeing them from the confines of personal silence. As the work grows, it becomes an evolving, visible, communal record of disempowering interactions—open for reflection, conversation, and, ideally, transformation.

This work lives at the intersection of artivism and collective care, and I’m honored to share it alongside fellow artists who are also committed to joy, activism, and connection through creative expression.

The Future Belongs to the Loving asks: How do we create loving, resilient communities in a world that feels increasingly fragmented and fragile? I believe we begin by telling the truth, creating together, and holding space for each other—and that’s exactly what this show is about.

Come out, connect, and contribute. I can’t wait to see you there.

With love and intention,
Theda

Free Your Mind
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Blackity Black Blanket Library Drape Invited to FIBER 2025

I’m honored to share that Blackity Black Blanket Library Drape has been invited to exhibit at FIBER 2025, a prestigious international contemporary fiber art exhibition. The show runs from May 10 – June 19, 2025, at Silvermine Galleries in New Canaan, Connecticut. If you’re in the area, I invite you to the Opening Reception on May 17.

This body of work holds deep meaning for me. It explores the often unspoken terrain of implicit bias and the exhaustion that can come from navigating unproductive conversations around “isms”—racism, sexism, classism, and more. These dialogues can often feel circular or emotionally draining, especially when participants aren’t fully self-aware or willing to acknowledge the biases they carry. And let’s be real—implicit bias is a universal experience. It’s not a moral failure. But how we respond to it—that’s the real work.

Each zip tie in this installation is a micro-marker, a fragment of memory and tension, a moment where something was said, done, or left unsaid. The 12,000–15,000 zip ties that make up each blanket aren’t just numbers. They are reminders of the daily weight of microaggressions—small, often invisible cuts that compound over time.

The piece is anchored by two 8-foot antique library ladders, their rungs obscured by cascading black zip tie blankets. These ladders symbolize ambition and ascension—but weighed down, they speak to the difficulty of rising when systemic bias clings to every step.

Blackity Black Blanket Library Drape asks: What are we carrying? And what do we ask others to carry, often without even noticing? This work doesn’t claim to have answers, but it insists on holding the question in view, and hopefully opens a door toward deeper awareness, mutual accountability, and healing.

If you’re in or around Connecticut this spring, come see the work in person. Stand beneath it. Feel the texture of the conversation it invites..

FIBER 2025
Exhibition Dates: May 10 – June 19, 2025
Opening Reception: May 17, 2025
Location: Silvermine Galleries, 1037 Silvermine Rd, New Canaan, CT 06840

Blackity Black Blanket, ladders and emotional baggage cart installation
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April: Finding Inspiration in Nature and Culture

This month, I’ve been drawing deeply from the land and its stories for inspiration. Spending time in the Provision Grounds and food forest, I’m reminded of how nature and culture are intertwined. Each plant, from the vibrant cassava leaves to the medicinal herbs, carries a history—an untold story of survival and resilience.

This connection to the land has been feeding into my creative work. I’ve been experimenting with textures and colors inspired by the landscapes around me. The greens of new growth, the earthy tones of the soil, and the rhythmic patterns of woven baskets are finding their way into my current projects.

April has also been a time for storytelling. I’ve been gathering notes for the Provision Grounds Book, speaking with local elders and historians who’ve generously shared their knowledge. Their stories remind me how important it is to preserve these legacies—not just in words but through the art I create.

By looking closely at what’s around me, I’m finding endless inspiration for new ideas and perspectives. Nature has a way of grounding us, showing us that creativity isn’t something we need to force; it’s already present if we slow down enough to see it.

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Looking Ahead: My 2025 Art and Travel Adventures

2025 promises to be a year of growth and discovery, filled with opportunities to create, connect, and share meaningful experiences. Every step of this journey aligns with my mission to inspire dialogue about race, social justice, and the transformative power of art.

In January, I’ll serve as the Artist in Residence at the Miami Children’s Museum (January 16–19). I’m especially excited to lead a workshop on Emotional Baggage Carts, where I’ll guide children in using art as a tool for self-expression and emotional exploration. Integrating shadow work with creativity is central to my mission of reshaping conversations about race and social justice. Introducing these ideas to children through art feels like nurturing seeds of understanding and empathy for the future.

Sky Garden Gallery Retreat: Building a Creative Haven

Back at home, the transformation of the garage into my new art studio at Sky Garden Gallery Retreat is well underway and on track for completion by the end of January. This space will soon be the heart of my creative practice and the retreat’s residency program.

The first artist residents will arrive in January to join me in setting up the studio and foraging for art supplies around the property. In February, more residents will visit to help finalize the studio setup and begin building raised beds for growing dye plants. Watching this dream come to life—both as a functional studio and as a community space—feels deeply fulfilling. I’m eager to see how this new chapter unfolds and to share the space with artists who bring their own unique perspectives and practices.

March & April: Learning, Teaching, and Rome

March promises a month of creative exploration. I’ll lead the Textile Alchemy Workshop with the Surface Design Association, where participants will discover how to transform found and upcycled materials into meaningful textile art. By sourcing from diverse environments like beaches, urban areas, and even closets, this workshop highlights sustainability, resourcefulness, and innovation. Embracing a zero-waste philosophy, we’ll turn “waste” into “wonder,” finding artistic potential in the most unexpected places.

I’m also excited to participate in Jenine Shereos’ Knotless Netting Workshop, where I’ll delve into the art of layering material and meaning. Inspired by the rich history and versatility of netting, this workshop will open new possibilities for integrating this evocative technique into my practice.

In April, I’ll travel to Rome with my partner McCarty for an Easter pilgrimage (April 21–May 1), a journey blending history, spirituality, and artistic inspiration. We’ll explore the city’s architectural wonders, from the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Pantheon to the timeless beauty of the Colosseum and Piazza Navona.

Amid these marvels, we plan to savor the city’s culinary delights, including many glasses of Brunello di Montalcino. From quiet moments in the Vatican Gardens to admiring the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, this trip promises to nourish both my spirit and my artistry. I’m looking forward to seeing how Rome’s timeless beauty will impact my practice.

June: Milestones and Connections

On June 19, I’m thrilled to host the first public Studio Tour and Ecopark Walk at Sky Garden Gallery Retreat in St. Croix. This event marks a milestone in the development of our residency program and invites the community to experience the intersection of art, nature, and culture.

Guests will explore my studio and the surrounding property during an eco-focused walking tour, sipping refreshing, homemade bush tea while taking in the tranquil environment. It’s a chance to learn about how St. Croix’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage inspire my work and the art created by visiting residents.

The studio tour is part of Discover the Rich Art & History of St. Croix, an unforgettable weeklong experience highlighting the island’s vibrant art scene and storied history. From visits to historic landmarks to beachside lunches and starlit evenings of music and fun, this tour is a celebration of all that makes St. Croix unique.

Click here for more details.

Later in June, I’m honored to have my work featured in Fiberart International 2025 in Pittsburgh, with the public opening on Friday, June 20, from 4:30–8:00 PM. On Saturday, June 21, I hope to join the weekend program, including an artist-led gallery tour from 11 AM to 12 PM, and a juror’s talk to follow.

Following Pittsburgh, I’ll head to MAFA 2025 in Millersville, PA (June 26–29). I plan to be in the Mid-Atlantic region (June 22-25) to visit galleries and connect with friends. If you’re attending MAFA or nearby DE, NJ, PA, let’s meet up! I’d love to catch up, share ideas, and celebrate the vibrant fiber art community. This month promises to be a rich mix of art, connection, and creative exploration.

As I look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude and anticipation. From creating in my newly completed studio at Sky Garden Gallery Retreat and mentoring resident artists to exploring the art, history, and architecture of vibrant new places, each moment feels like a chance to grow, connect, and share. This journey is constantly evolving, and I’m excited to see where it leads.

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Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth, Creativity, and Connection

2024 has been a year of profound artistic exploration, meaningful connections, and transformative milestones. It began with Ponytails and Door Knocker Earrings, an installation at Time Equities in New York that enlivened the lobby from January to July. I’m deeply grateful to friends and colleagues who braved a freezing January evening to celebrate its opening with me.

Later in January, I participated in the Surface Design Association’s Parallel Play residency and conference, sharing my creative process through open studios and an artist talk. These exchanges deepened my connection with the SDA community.

Liquid Ice Detail

In February, I gave an inspiring talk with the Hudson Valley Mohawk Weavers, exploring weaving as a tool for Black self-expression and social justice. That same month, Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined opened at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, featuring Beaded Braids – Double Dutch, a celebration of childhood, braiding, and the cultural significance of hair.

In May, my work Liquid Ice sold to the Guggenheim Museum at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, marking a milestone in my career. I also embarked on two artist residencies at Touchstone Center for Crafts, where I continued work on Free Your Mind, transcribing story ribbons and cataloging biases. The project expanded with exhibitions at Touchstone, Delaware Contemporary, and presentations at the American Folklore Society Annual Conference.

My Great Resignation Emotional Baggage Cart was a focal point this year. Featured as the postcard image for the Hunterdon Art Museum’s Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry and spotlighted in the 9th Annual SDJ Exhibition in Print, it examines themes of liberation and self-discovery. Repurposed materials, including vintage silk ties and a shopping cart substrate, challenge notions of value and redefine prosperity through inner fulfillment rather than material wealth.

Another standout was my Blackity Black Blanket series. Ladders was the cover image for the Beyond: Tapestry Expanded catalog and exhibition, while Chaise featured in the Newark Museum of Art’s Radical Reimagining. Both works explore implicit bias and the impact of microaggressions, symbolized by zip-tie blankets draped on ladders—a visceral portrayal of the weight of societal expectations and the struggle to rise above them.

In October, I led the Emotional Baggage Cart Parade during Art in Odd Places along NYC’s 14th Street. With the support of incredible volunteers, we transformed shopping carts into visual narratives of shared emotional burdens. Their contributions made this project truly special.

Free Your Mind, sharing a story ribbon

The year culminated with my presentation of Free Your Mind at the Textile Society of America Symposium, reflecting on the interplay of textiles, microaggressions, and healing. This was paired with immersive research at the American Folklore Society Annual Conference, where I explored themes of foodways, grief, the supernatural, and Indigenous knowledge.

This year, I’ve watched my work resonate with diverse audiences and evolve in unexpected ways. From exhibitions to residencies, artist talks, and public art initiatives, 2024 has been a celebration of creativity, community, and growth. I look forward to building on this momentum in the year ahead!

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Exhibitions Closing In December

CLOSING SOON

Radical Reimagining

Dates: October 9 – December 1

Location: Newark Museum of Art; 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ

American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 26- December 15

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

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November & Beyond Blog

THIS MONTH

Free Your Mind at American Folklore Society Annual Conference

Dates: November 6- 9

Location: Albuquerque NM

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

Dates: November 12-17

Location: Zoom 

ONGOING

Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 26- December 15

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

Radical Reimagining

Dates: October 9 – December 1

Location: Newark Museum of Art; 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ

NEXT 

This Easter 2025, McCarty and I are heading to Rome, and I can hardly contain my excitement. Rome has been on my travel list for as long as I can remember, and the fact that we’re going for Easter makes it all the more special. There’s so much to take in, and I’m already imagining all the incredible sights, sounds, and—let’s be honest—tastes we’re going to experience. I’m looking forward to the entire experience—soaking in the art, the history, the food, and, of course, the company.

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Sneak Peek Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Step into Beyond: Tapestry Expanded and experience Blackity Black Blanket Ladders, a powerful visual statement on resilience and protection. Crafted from commercial fishing nets and black zip ties, these striking ladders symbolize the climb out of racial gaslighting and into self-empowerment.

American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 26- December 15Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN 

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Emotional Baggage Cart Parade Kicks Off Today

Join me this weekend for The Emotional Baggage Cart Parade at the CARE Art in Odd Places Festival! This unique public art experience invites you to witness and engage with a visual metaphor for the emotional burdens we all carry. I’ll be roaming the streets with my transformed shopping carts, offering an interactive opportunity to explore and release your own emotional baggage.

Catch me at the following times and locations:

  • Friday, October 18: 12:00-2:00pm, roaming Avenue A to 3rd Avenue along 14th Street
  • Saturday, October 19: 12:00-2:00pm, roaming University Place/Union Square West to 7th Avenue along 14th Street
  • Sunday, October 20: 12:00-2:00pm, roaming Seventh Avenue to Eleventh Avenue or the water along 14th Street

Come say hello and experience this moving installation as we transform emotional weight into art. See you there!