Threads of Her Story: A response to the textile collection of a historical house museum.

I am thrilled to announce my work is being exhibited at the Neill-Cochran House Museum, inspired by their remarkable textile collection, which includes quilts, garments, lace, and fans. This exhibition celebrates the often-overlooked artistry and labor of the women who crafted not only quilts but also the garments of their time. These works reflect the rich cultural fabric of Austin from the late 19th century through the early 20th century, exploring the intersection of fashion and function, art and utility, as seen through textiles of the era.

If you are in town on Saturday, January 25th 5-7PM, I would love to see you at 2310 San Gabriel Street (free parking in back). Reception is sponsored by Brilliant Smiles and Glenda Smith, DDS (thank you!)

Come here me tell my story at Stories on the Lawn on Feb. 13th and then calendar a Moderated Panel discussion with me, textile scholar Suzanne Labry and Rowena Dasch, ED of the NCHM.

Set for April 6th at 2:30PM.

The art exhibit runs through the end of May 2025.

This exhibition has been over a year in the making. The journey began in late 2023 when I was invited to respond to the museum’s collection. In May 2024, I started examining and studying these historic pieces, and by December 2024, the final work was completed.

In an era long before fast fashion, clothing was not mass-produced but hand-sewn—meticulously crafted by individuals, predominantly women, whose care and dedication remain visible in every stitch. Wearing a garment in the late 1800s was akin to wearing a piece of art. These garments were custom-made to fit the wearer perfectly, with ornate pleating and intricate embellishments that reflected the decorative aesthetics of the time. Women not only adorned themselves with beauty but also infused their homes with intentional artistry.

Similarly, quilts of this period served as the “scrapbooks” of their day, pieced together from the fabric of daily life. These quilts stand as enduring symbols of community, where women and children gathered not only to sew but also to connect, share stories, and celebrate milestones. Every quilt is more than a functional blanket; it is a historical artifact, woven with the events, memories, and relationships that shaped Austin’s past.

Within these quilts and garments, we find the fingerprints of history—traces of countless hands working together to keep families warm, homes vibrant, and bodies clothed and protected. Each stitch is a testament to the practical yet profound ways these women contributed to their communities. These textiles are more than objects of utility; they are symbols of resilience, creativity, and the shared experiences that shaped our city’s history.

This exhibition invites you to reflect on the hands, energy, and stories sewn into every quilt and garment. Each piece preserves the legacy of the women who used their skills to bring warmth, beauty, and meaning to their homes and communities. History is woven into every thread, and their contributions remain an indelible part of Austin’s rich heritage.