Stitching Connections: An International Collaboration of Art and Embroidery
Craighead Green Gallery proudly presents Stitching Connections, an inspiring exhibition that brings together contemporary fine art and traditional textile craftsmanship through international collaboration. Featuring three renowned women artists—Carolyn Brown, Sue Benner, and Pamela Nelson—alongside skilled artisans from Honduras, this exhibition showcases the power of creative exchange across cultures. The collaboration is made possible by Honduras Threads, a nonprofit dedicated to economic empowerment through embroidery.
At the heart of Stitching Connections is a dialogue between artistic practices and cultural perspectives. Carolyn Brown, a celebrated photographer, has captured the landscapes and spirit of Honduras with sensitivity and depth. Sue Benner, a textile and quilt artist, has worked closely with Honduras Threads for years, sharing her expertise to elevate the artisans' craft. Pamela Nelson, an abstract painter and mixed-media artist, has played an integral role in Honduras Threads since its inception, creating original designs that inspire embroidered works by Honduran artisans.
Through this collaboration, the women of Honduras Threads reinterpret the works of Brown, Benner, and Nelson using intricate embroidery and appliqué techniques. The result is a collection of richly layered pieces that merge contemporary fine art with traditional textile techniques, celebrating both artistic excellence and cultural heritage.
About Honduras Threads
Founded over 20 years ago by M’Lou and Bill Bancroft, Honduras Threads has provided Honduran women with embroidery skills that lead to financial independence. The late M’Lou Bancroft’s dedication helped artisans build self-sustaining businesses, creating economic opportunities where they were once scarce. Today, the impact of this initiative is profound—many artisans’ children are now pursuing higher education, a direct result of the financial stability their mothers have achieved.
Over the years, Honduras Threads has expanded across several villages in rural Honduras, forming a network of women producing one-of-a-kind goods. Through sales in the U.S., these artisans generate income that supports their families while growing their textile businesses. Earnings allow them to buy food, school supplies, and medications, fostering a sense of dignity and self-reliance.
To ensure long-term sustainability, Honduras Threads helped the women form their own member-owned social enterprise, Arte y Creatividad (AyC), in 2017. Now, five artisan groups work together as one. Each woman is paid for her labor, and profits are shared as dividends. Additionally, 30% of sales are reinvested into Honduras Threads to cover materials, marketing, and technical assistance.
A Celebration of Art, Culture, and Connection
Stitching Connections is more than an art exhibition—it’s a testament to the power of creativity to bridge borders, uplift communities, and celebrate the resilience of women. Visitors will witness firsthand how fine art and traditional craft come together to tell a story of collaboration and cultural exchange.