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.
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.
