May: Inspiration, Community, and the Power of Collaboration

This month has been a whirlwind—charged with shared energy, creative breakthroughs, and meaningful connections. From my pilgrimage to Rome for Jubilee 2025 to the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in New York, NY Art Week exhibitions, and a return to my Jersey City showroom, one thing has become clear: collaboration and community are the lifeblood of my practice.

A standout moment was collaborating with artist and maker Nate Watson to build a custom loom lightbox for Entre Genres, a commission for Coty Infiniment Paris. I envisioned light passing through the weaving—refracted by suspended glass perfume bottles—capturing an ethereal, floating quality. Nate’s fabrication exceeded all expectations, and on a tight deadline. His generosity and expertise were instrumental in bringing this vision to life. I deconstructed marine line into soft fibers and wove airy, cloudlike gestures into the frame. The process opened new doors for me creatively—I’ve already started sketching a series of lightbox loom works inspired by this experience.

Morgan Mahape

Being immersed in art has been equally inspiring. Morgan Mahape’s beaded portrait at the 1-54 Fair stopped me in my tracks. The intricacy and emotion of the piece had me digging into my bead stash, suddenly seeing each bead like a pixel—tiny fragments forming a larger truth. That’s the power of great art: it reframes your perspective.

Spending time with other artists—talking technique, exchanging feedback, or simply standing in quiet reverence before a piece—has reminded me that art is never made in isolation. We are shaped by our conversations, our collaborators, and the environments we move through.

And yes, Rome was magical. Our trip began the same day Pope Francis passed away. We were among the first 100,000+ people to pay our respects during the wake at St. Peter’s Basilica. Standing before the frescoes, sculptures, catacombs, and icons I once only studied in books was surreal. Ancient cities built upon ruins of older cities—a living metaphor for layers of history and belief. I left with a deep desire to create a Threshold Altar installation, my own contemporary interpretation of iconography, spirituality, and faith. A slab of mahogany waits in my studio, alongside ritual items I’ve been quietly gathering. More soon on that.

This month, I’m filled with gratitude—for creative collaboration, for the artist community that surrounds me, and for the ongoing invitation to grow. Inspiration, after all, multiplies when shared.

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.

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.