Threads of Identity: Stitching Stories Through Portrait Quilts

In this unique presentation, artists will share their deeply personal approaches to transforming photographic images into expressive textile art. Through storytelling and visual examples, they will discuss their inspirations, creative processes, techniques, fabric selection and sourcing, as well as the technical challenges they’ve encountered—and the innovative solutions they’ve discovered along the way.

The event will conclude with an open Q&A, offering the audience a chance to engage directly with the artists.

This event is part of the Stitching Stories workshop and exhibition series. This is a collaboration between the Heritage Museum of Asian Art and the Needles and Threads Quilters Guild (ntqg.org), supported by Healing Illinois.

Artist bio:

Joyce Weathington has been sewing since her teenage years, but she found her true artistic calling five years ago when she discovered quilting. In particular, she has developed a passion for portrait quilting—capturing faces, memories, and stories through Needles and Threads Quilters Guild. Her work reflects both her love of fabric and her desire to experiment with textile as a storytelling medium.

Dorothy Burge is a multimedia artist and community activist whose work is deeply rooted in social justice. Drawing inspiration from both historical and contemporary struggles for equity, she uses quilting as her activist voice. A self-taught fiber artist, Dorothy began creating quilts in the 1990s. She comes from a long line of Mississippi quilters, whose traditions of repurposing old clothing into beautiful quilts continue to influence her powerful work today.

Doris Barnes fell in love with sewing at a young age in Mississippi, where she was taught by her godmother. Since then, her passion for sewing and quilting has only grown. Known for her bold color choices and non-traditional patterns, Doris creates garments and quilts that reflect her vibrant personality. An award-winning quilter, she quilts every single day and considers it her life’s passion. She also shares her skills by teaching quilting at her church and making charity quilts for those who are ill or homebound.

Accessibility:

The Heritage Museum of Asian Art's Entrance is on West 35th Street. Take the elevator to the third floor and turn right to the Museum Reception Desk. The museum is wheelchair accessible, accessible and standard toilets are located on the same floor. Audio Description will be available for those who need it. Free parking space is available next to the museum via West 35th Street.