Text+Titles = TexTITLES: Conversations Around How Textiles Connect Us
Textitles is a free monthly discussion group for readings, watchings, and listenings (books, films, and podcasts) on textile and fiber art with a focus on historical, social, economic, and environmental concerns related to fibers, fabrics, makers/artists, techniques, use, value, and more. This discussion group is facilitated and sponsored by the Textile Arts Center of Madison with a different topic to read, view, or listen to, typically on your own before the discussion. As possible, some copies of book titles selected will be available for checkout through the Madison Public Library; however, in some instances participants will need to procure access to the media on their own. Conversations take place in the Pinney Library Reading Room, featuring the inspiring permanent art installation titled Us, Midwest created by local artist Yeonhee Cheong. Please register for each conversation you wish to attend at the TAC website.
November’s discussion will focus on the topic of why sewing matters:
- Haptic & Hue Podcast Episode #44: “Why Sewing Matters.” This episode of Haptic & Hue tells the little-known story of how two separate sewing schools on different sides of the Atlantic gave women all over the world a new life of economic independence, social status and personal power. One of these programs took the Singer sewing machine into every corner of the globe. The other, a ground-breaking teacher training college in London, had an impact on the lives of millions of girls all over the world.
- Bonus Suggested Reading: Common Threads by Margaret John Jankowski. Common Threads is the unique story of a unique idea—that sewing machines, passed from one to another, can provide hope and meaning to both those who receive them and those who give. Jankowski founded The Sewing Machine Project, a grassroots nonprofit based on this concept. Common Threads shares the extraordinary journey from idea to action, with stories that inspire, challenges that are real, outcomes that are profound, and evidence that small ideas can indeed mend communities. Jankowski will attend this meeting of Textitles as a special guest speaker!
Facilitator: Angela Johnson (@angelajohnsonartist)
Angela Johnson is a professional artist, creativity coach and educator. She earned a master’s in Art Education, an MA in Art and an MFA with a focus in photography from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her areas of artistic expertise include art journaling, alternative photo processes, bookmaking and box making, Creativity Coaching, and installation art. Angela’s work includes themes of nature, balance, and telling stories through individual and collective memories. She often incorporates scientific elements and concepts into her work. Collaborations with other artists and scientists energizes her creativity.
Johnson is a fixture in the Wisconsin arts scene, with 20+ years of experience maintaining public art studios, teaching workshops, facilitating programs, leading public art installations and lecturing at universities. She has worked in museums, elementary schools, senior centers, colleges and universities. She has inspired and helped people of every age — from toddlers to 95-year-olds — reaching far into the depths of their imagination to discover and channel their creativity. She also teaches workshops on mindfulness and yoga.
Website: angelajohnsonartist.com
Social: @angelajohnsonartist
Space is limited and registration is month-by-month. Register for each conversation you wish to attend at the TAC website. (https://www.textileartsmadison.org/textitles-1)