Workforce Opportunity Services (WOS), a leading non-profit organization connecting individuals from underserved populations with transformative career opportunities, is hosting a free online Textile Art: Explore the evolution and transformation of textile art series. Each session is designed for individuals of ALL AGES and is aimed at expanding their horizon in the arts.

Sessions will be presented by Michelle Bishop and Laura R. Gadson.

PAINTED THREADS: Explore the history and evolution of textile art through the lens of the African Diaspora. Michelle Bishop will take you on a journey exploring artists and crafts persons who have made a significant impact on the art world through disciplines such as quilting, felting and crocheting. Once defined as "women's work", Michelle dispels that myth and includes historical references and imagery to unpack engagement in needle arts.

QUILTING: Through dialog and demonstration, we will explore fabric piecing, patchwork and quilting styles reflective of American Peoples of Color and the influence of that work on their social and economic empowerment. The demonstration will include: How to make a strip quilt using the Gee's Bend Model.

• Michelle Bishop
• Laura R. Gadson

Each session is free and is provided by Workforce Opportunity Services.

Series Dates and Times:

Dates	Session Time	Theme
April 6th, 2022	6:00 - 7:00 pm EDT	Painted Threads
April 13th, 2022	6:00 - 7:00 pm EDT	Quilting Discussion
April 20th, 2022	6:00 - 7:00 pm EDT	Quilting Workshop*

* Please have the following materials available to experience the art of quilting. If you are unable to find the materials listed below, please let the coordinator know when you are contacted to verify your attendance.

• Sewing needle size 8 or 10: Thread the needle in advance of the presentation.
• Dual-duty thread – white
• Scissors for cutting fabric
• Clothes Iron
• Batting ¼ yard. If you wish to make a quilt after learning the technique, you may want to hold off on buying batting until you know the size of the quilt you wish to make.
• Fabric (cotton): Make sure your fabric is ironed and cut into 1” to 3” WIDE strips x 15” or longer in LENGTH