Fall 2025 Exhibitions: Newark & San Diego

This fall promises to be a vibrant season of art, travel, and community. I’m thrilled to share two major opportunities where my work will be on view in Newark and San Diego.


Newark Arts Festival 2025: JOY

October 8–12, 2025
📍 Newark Museum of Art, 49 Washington St, Newark, NJ
📍 Express Newark, 54 Halsey St, Newark, NJ

This year’s Newark Arts Festival embraces JOY as a radical, transformative force—one that uplifts, empowers, and connects us. I’m honored to be showing in two venues:

  • Newark Museum of ArtClassic LBD & Boa Quill
    These works address the invisible weight of microaggressions, recasting the iconic little black dress as armor and weaving narratives of resilience and defiance into fiber form.
  • Express NewarkPower Puff with Black Racing Stripe Emotional Baggage Cart
    Woven from recycled New York Post sleeves on a reclaimed shopping cart, this piece transforms bad news into joyful resistance, reclaiming space and rewriting the narrative.

Interpretations 2025

October 17, 2025 – January 10, 2026
📍 Visions Museum of Textile Art, 2825 Dewey Rd #100, San Diego, CA

Hot on the heels of Newark, I’ll be heading to San Diego for Interpretations 2025. This exhibition brings together textile artists from around the world to explore innovation, tradition, and storytelling through fiber.

  • Festival Days: October 17–18
  • Special Events: Award & Donor Party (Oct 17) and Artists’ Talks & Dinner (Oct 18)

I’m honored to have my work included in this gathering of visionaries at the Visions Museum of Textile Art, where the boundaries of fiber art continue to be pushed and redefined.


Looking Ahead

September and October will be a whirlwind of celebration, and connection. I look forward to sharing moments from both Newark and San Diego as these works take on new life in community.

Stay tuned for behind-the-scenes updates, and if you’re in either city, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the power of textiles, storytelling, and JOY.

Where Air Meets Musk

Entre Genres captures the essence of a cloud in a bottle, where airy meets musk in an interplay of weightlessness and sensuality.

Entre Genres—between genders—echoes in the in-between: between what’s seen and what’s felt, between softness and sharpness, between what we carry and what we choose to let go.

When I wrap and weave with reclaimed materials—veggie mesh bags, marine line, sari yarn, beads, cowrie shells, bottle caps—I’m telling stories that don’t fit neatly into boxes. These are stories about how gender, race, memory, and power collide. They’re messy, layered, sometimes contradictory—just like the objects I gather.

I don’t believe in fixed categories. My practice is fluid. A soft sculpture can be a shield. A braid can draw a boundary. A shopping cart can carry both trauma and transformation. The materials I use slip between definitions—just like I do.

In my hands, materials shift. They become tools of protection, celebration, resistance. I’m not interested in clean edges—I’m drawn to what happens when we blur them, stretch them, braid something new from the fray.

That’s where the beauty lives—in the becoming.

When I first smelled the fragrance—a cloud of musks—I thought of sunrise. That first light brushing across the sky, the hush of morning dew, the coo of doves at dawn. I wanted to turn that feeling into form—something you don’t just see, but sense, like the memory of a sun-kissed face.

Every material was chosen for how it plays with light—how it glows, reflects, and diffuses, just like scent disperses in the air. The musks—warm, intimate, almost skin-like—inspired my palette and textures.

Rather than represent the scent literally, I focused on the sensation—how musk lingers close to the body, how it lives in that space between presence and absence. This piece doesn’t just exist in space; it inhabits it, like a fragrance does. It’s about drift, about trace, about what lingers.

Much of my work lives in this realm—between touch and memory, between what’s held and what’s released. A cloud of musks became an invitation to make something that doesn’t shout, but whispers. Something that floats in the air between us.

Ponytails & Door Knocker Earrings Installation

Elaborate strands of rope, meticulously wrapped, woven, tied, and adorned with recycled beads, zip ties, ribbon, lace, tape, and bells beckon you towards a vibrant installation that serves as a visual representation of natural hair. These daring and playful sculptures delicately encourage viewers to engage in unconventional dialogues surrounding microaggressions, stereotypes, and implicit bias specifically faced by black women embracing their natural hair.

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.

You Are Invited to an Emotional Baggage Cart Parade

The Emotional Baggage Cart Parade is a public art project that transforms everyday shopping carts into mobile art installations, symbolizing the emotional burdens we carry. This initiative encourages participants to confront and release their psychological weight, fostering communal healing and empathy.

Volunteers are needed to push three carts and engage with the public. DM Theda @MissTheda to get involved!

The Emotional Baggage Cart Parade @ CARE Art in Odd Places Festival

Friday, October 18, from12:00-2:00pm roaming Avenue A to 3rd Avenue along 14th street

Saturday, October 19, from 12:00-2:00pm roaming University Place/Union Square West to 7th Avenue along 14th Street

Sunday, October 20, from 12:00-2:00pm roaming Seventh Avenue to Eleventh Avenue or the water along 14th Street

Power Puff with Black Racing Stripes

Beyond: Tapestry Expanded 

Beyond: Tapestry Expanded is an ATA-sponsored and organized exhibition featuring work by artists who explore the expansive properties of tapestry weaving. Using the definition of tapestry as a nonfunctional, handwoven pictorial structure, artists included in the exhibition combined both hand and digital processes, using non-traditional materials, to create three-dimensional forms or multi-media components. Curated by Erica Warren and co-juried by Jade Yumang and Alexa Griffith Winton, the exhibition includes work from the following artists:

Abbey Muza, Anne Wilson, Bryana Bibbs, Christina Forrer, Christy Matson, Crystal Gregory, Danielle Andress, Diana Guerrero-Macia, Dianna Frid, Hope Wang, Janice Lessman-Moss, Jacqueline Surdell, Jovencio de la Paz, kg gnatowski, Kira Dominguez Hultgren, Lia Cook, Marianne Fairbanks, Melissa Leandro, Olivia Valentine, Olive Stefanski, Qualeasha Wood, Susie Taylor, Tanya Aguiñiga, Yasmin Spiro, C. Pazia Mannella, Constanza Camila Kramer Garfias, Jacobo Alonso, Jennifer Robertson, Kate Nartker, Linda Sok, Rose Dickson, Sarah Stefana Smith, Theda Sandiford, Wlodzimierz Cygan, and Xia Gao.

Please save the date for the curatorial talk on Tuesday, September 10 at 4:30 pm at the Richard E. Peeler Art Center. The talk is open to the public. ATA is developing additional virtual programming in October and November—more details to follow.

Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15

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

Blackity Black Blanket, ladders and emotional baggage cart, ladders only

Free Your Mind Project: Bringing Community Placemaking to Pennsylvania and Delaware

The “Free Your Mind” project is set to engage audiences in two dynamic locations this year: the Touchstone Center for Crafts in Pennsylvania and The Delaware Contemporary. This initiative will run from May 17 to September 20 at the Touchstone Center for Crafts and from June 7 to August 30 at The Delaware Contemporary. Here’s how these engagements will highlight the project’s commitment to placemaking through artist-guided community artwork.

Touchstone Center for Crafts: A Summer of Creativity and Conhttps://www.touchstonecrafts.org/events-exhibitions/free-your-mindnection

From May 17 to September 20, the Touchstone Center for Crafts in Pennsylvania will host the “Free Your Mind” project, transforming the center into a vibrant hub of artistic expression and community engagement. Here’s what participants can look forward to:

  • Interactive Exhibition: Throughout the summer, the Touchstone Center for Crafts visitors are invited to release a microaggression they have experienced on a ribbon. This dynamic display will encourage ongoing engagement and dialogue among community members and visitors alike.
  • Community Events: Special events, including two artist talks and open studios, and weekly community gatherings, will be held to celebrate the project’s progress. These events will foster social interaction and strengthen community bonds, making the Touchstone Center for Crafts a lively and inclusive space.

The Delaware Contemporary: A Season of Artistic Exploration

From June 7 to August 30, “Free Your Mind” will bring its transformative energy to The Delaware Contemporary. This engagement will offer unique opportunities for community involvement and artistic exploration:

  • Public Art Installation: The Delaware Contemporary will feature an immersive public art installation created through the project. In addition to providing an opportunity for visitors to release their microaggressions, an audio and video projection enhance the exhibition space.  
  • Engagement Programs: Participants are invited to explore their implicit biases and contribute to the project. This program emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring everyone has a voice in the artistic process. The project aims will bring together community members, artists, and visitors to reflect on the impact of microaggressions and celebrate the power of collective creativity.

Join Us in Transforming Spaces

The “Free Your Mind” project at the Touchstone Center for Crafts and The Delaware Contemporary offers an exciting opportunity to experience the power of placemaking through monumental art. By engaging with this project, community members can contribute to meaningful transformation that reflect their collective identity and aspirations.

I invite you to join this artistic journey, whether by participating in a talk or simply visiting to witness the transformative power of community-driven art. Together, we can create spaces that resonate with beauty, unity, and a deep sense of belonging.

Mark your calendars and be part of the “Free Your Mind” project as it brings communities together and transforms our collective consciousness.

May & Beyond Blog

OPENING THIS MONTH

1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair with KATES-FERRI PROJECTS

Dates: May 1-4

Location: 1:54NY 601 W. 26th St. NY 10001 Booth #7

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

ARTIST RESIDENCY

Touchstone Artist Residency

Dates: May 10-24

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

ONGOING

Ponytails and Door Knocker Earring Installation

Dates: January 17-  July 17

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

NEXT 

Free Your Mind @ 2024 Summer Discovery

Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30

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

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

American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded

Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15

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