This is a focused Embroidery 101 workshop (community stitchup!) that supports folks in developing their Badass Herstory submissions. Badass Herstory is a Global Craftivism Project centering the stories of as many folks of marginalized genders as possible. Part community-organizing project, part public art project it is appropriate for new stitchers and skilled stitchers alike. Shannon is asking folks to create a 12 inch x 12 inch piece of art on a textile (add a one inch margin) that tells the world your story.
You can embroider it, sew it, quilt it, felt it, weave it, knit it, paint it, play with mixed media; whatever you want so long as it’s on fabric of some sort.
Why?
Most of us are never taught that we are the heroes of their own story. We are, at best, supporting characters. There is great value in exploring, centering, and sharing your story. There is great value in making art about yourself. Let’s go on this journey together. All genders welcome at the workshop but submissions to the Herstory project are only accepted from folks of marginalized genders.
This workshop is Pay What You Can. Please RSVP and let us know you are coming or drop in that day.
Shannon Downey aka Badass Cross Stitch is an artist, activist, craftivist, community builder, and general instigator. She blends her politics, activism, and art into projects that are designed to inspire others to take action, think, discuss, engage with democracy and their community, and find some digital/analog balance. She uses art as a vehicle for positive change through creative interventions whether that be through open-source street art campaigns or global craftivism projects.
She is the instigator behind #RitasQuilt, #MakeDontBreak, #YearOfStitch and @BadassHerstory. She is on a quest to teach 1 million people to embroider and invite society to rethink how we categorize, and value craft and art. Shannon sold everything she owned and moved into an RV in June of 2020 to bring art, activism, and community to the country.
She teaches at Columbia College and DePaul University and is founder of Seriously Badass Women.
Her life motto is: Make Art. Smash Systems.
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Following CDC recommendations and guidelines, Waterfall Arts will no longer require masking, proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID test for patrons, students, or visitors to attend classes, openings or any events at the Waterfall Arts building.