Tag: Free Your Mind

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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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Artist Talk Tonight: Last Chance to Register

Free Your Mind is a public textile art endeavor with the objective of gathering, showcasing, embedding, and liberating personal narratives surrounding microaggressions through a multi-sensory installation.

Join me on Zoom or in-person for a powerful and engaging artist talk about this project. This event is a unique opportunity to hear about the Free Your Mind art installation project at Touchstone. I will share the creative journey and insights related to the project.

Please Register in Advance for tonight’s 6:00pm ET Zoom Talk:

Register for SEPTEMBER 24

Please call Touchstone’s office at 724-329-1370 if you would like to attend the Artist Talk in person.

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Identifying Our Biases

Identifying microaggressions and implicit biases can be challenging but asking oneself reflective questions can help uncover them.

Here are five questions people can ask themselves:

  1. What assumptions do I make about people based on their appearance (e.g., race, gender, clothing)?
  2. How do I react when I encounter someone who is different from me in terms of culture, language, or lifestyle?
  3. Are there certain groups of people I tend to avoid or feel uncomfortable around? Why might that be?
  4. How do I respond to media portrayals of different social, ethnic, and cultural groups? Do I notice patterns in these responses?
  5. When I make decisions about hiring, mentoring, or collaborating, am I consistently favoring certain groups over others? What reasons do I give for these preferences?

Reflecting on these questions can help individuals become more aware of their implicit biases and take steps toward addressing them.

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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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September & Beyond Blog

THIS MONTH

Free Your Mind Artist Talk

Dates: September 24 @ 6:00pm ET

Location: On Zoom or in Person at Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA 

Register for Zoom Here https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAvcO6hqD4uG9TnkU7datHCXOZ9plkWneZj#/registration

Touchstone Artist Residency

Dates: September 13-27

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

CLOSING THIS MONTH

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

ONGOING

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  

NEXT 

Newark Arts Festival 2024

Dates: October 9 – December 1

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

Art in Odd Places 2024: CARE

Dates: October 18-20

Location: Along 14th street NYC

Artwalk NY 2024

Date: October 21

Location: Chelsea Factory 547 West 26th Street

9th Annual SDA Exhibition in Print

Dates: October

Location: In Print

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

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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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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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AUGUST EXHIBITIONS & BEYOND

OPENING THIS MONTH

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  

CLOSING THIS MONTH

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

ONGOING

Free Your Mind @ Touchstone

Dates: May 17 – September 20

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

Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry

Opening Reception: May 19th 2:00-4:00pm

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

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

NEXT 

Touchstone Artist Residency

Dates: September 13-27

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

Artwalk NY 2024

Date: October 21

Location: Chelsea Factory 547 West 26th Street

9th Annual SDA Exhibition in Print

Dates: October

Location: In Print

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

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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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Free Your Mind

There’s still a chance to participate in “Free Your Mind” at both the Delaware Contemporary and Touchstone Center for Crafts. This unique program invites community members to engage in a journey of self-expression and collective healing by releasing microaggressions from their personal narrative.

Share your story, connect with others, and contribute to a larger narrative of transformation. Join us and free your mind!