HELLO my name is… A stitched introduction

Please reserve your spot and purchase tickets here.

A name is a world onto itself. It holds our history and heritage. So, who are the people with whom we co-craft democracy? Let’s introduce ourselves! The project ‘HELLO my Name is’: A stitched introduction invites people to share who they are and why they show up as co-crafters in their community. The stitcher’s mark on each patch is distinct to us, but together we are co-crafting through the work of our hands and hearts to shape our Democracy.

This “stitched introduction” workshop is part of the Voices and Votes exhibition at the National Women’s Hall of Fame. This in-person workshop on July 13 will guide crafters in creating their own one-of-a-kind masterpieces. All attendees will be provided with a craft kit to complete your very own handstitched patch, to be worn out in the world.

‘HELLO my Name is’: A stitched introduction takes the iconic sticker, on which we scribble our moniker at various events, and personalizes it through sustainable practice and a statement about our personal presence in communities.  It’s the start of a conversation about who you are, why you’re here and how you co-craft Democracy.

The goals of this “stitched introduction” are to:

1. Create a functional patch (or a collection of them!) to be worn at community events, meetings, protests and marches, or anywhere where the stitcher wants to make a statement, initiate a conversation or offer a friendly introduction.
2. Offer opportunities to stitch in community and meet new people. Sometimes it’s easier to talk when our hands are busy.
3. Position a cordial greeting (HELLO! My name is …) as the jumping off point to new relationships that can activate positive change in your local community.
4. Elevate the possibility of potential when people gather in creative pursuits.

About your instructor: Hinda Mandell is a professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology and conducts research at the intersection of sensational events with private lives. Since 2016, her research has focused on the intersection of craft and political events, examining craft as a gendered, communication tool that can subvert the social order. Learn more about Hinda’s work by exploring this fascinating article about the links between smartphones and textiles.

Please reserve your spot and purchase tickets here.