Threading The Needle

Textile Arts Center presents Threading the Needle: a TAC Youth Educators Community Exhibition

curated by Milo Godfrey, Faviola Lopez-Romani, and Kelly Valletta

Threading the Needle uplifts the craft of teaching and the creativity of the Youth Educators of Textile Arts Center. Together we examine the intergenerational artistry that exists at the intersection of care and play in the context of craft, and the reciprocity that unfolds uniquely at TAC.

Care in TAC Youth Programming comes in many shapes and forms. It looks like empowering a Young Maker to thread a needle and tie their first knot. It looks like generating a lesson plan that guides us along multiple learning pathways, exploring global textile history, material culture, and world building.  It looks like meeting the students where they are; after a long school-day or early morning at camp. It's fostering an environment to explore textiles; valuing the experience of the young maker.   

The spirit of play goes hand in hand with care. The act of playing is a remedial vehicle that drives meaningful and joyful conversations. The freedom of play emerges from respecting ourselves, others, and the shared studio.  As educators, we maintain a space where knowledge is decentralized; students and teachers are collaborators.  When we all agree on a shared mission, right here, right now, imaginations can safely run wild.

Weaving structures transform into inflatable sculptures, fairies become living beings immortalized through a quilt. Our imaginary buddies come alive in printed fabrics, and rhinestoned garments grow larger-than-life. Patchworks emerge from scrap bin gems.  Remnants of others’ inventions are launching pads for vibrant responses to textile waste.  Left over inks and dye pots are reclaimed for new projects.  We are teaching, learning, and inspiring one another as the rhythm of care and play continues. 

We, as teaching artists, thrive from this rhythm.  We debrief, share constructive feedback, and ideate within our shared values. 

How do we meet ourselves where we are at the end of a long day? 

How do we put ourselves in the role of student? 

How do we embody our artist selves? 

How do we thread the metaphorical needle when we feel like it is impossible?

Curated by: Milo Godfrey, Faviola Lopez-Romani, Kelly Valletta

Exhibiting Artists: April Behnke, Camila Ruiz, Itala Aguilera, Flo Low, Oscar A. Chavez, Julia Scheiber,

Caitlyn McLaughlin, Luisa Walther, Cedar Heffelfinger, Howard Ptaszek, Ingri Yi-Chen Lu, So Ye Oh, Luisa Walther, ben galaday, Annika Wahlsten, Susie Oh, 2ndnatsanfrat, Amanda Morales, Kathleen Quaintance, Al Dettmann, Erina Pearl, Ben Schneier, Karin Persan, Lucy Beizer, Milo K.Godfrey, Kelly Valletta

@aprilbehnke, @lazydaisyisearly, Itala Aguilera, @f_l_o_l_o_w_, @oachavez, @juli4scheiber, @catemac, @luisaart._, @cedarjoan, @ptaszekhoward, @ingridluuuu, @soyh2181, @balmypalms, @2svalt, @susieoh.art, @2ndnatsanfrat, @wildcolor_amanda, @dettmanndesigns, @erinapearl, @schneier_, @betterthanjam, @lucethreads, @milo.k.godfrey, @iamkellyv

Opening during Gowanus Open Studios, October 18+19, 12-6PM

On view through October 26, 2025

Textile Arts Center Project Space

505 Carroll St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

TAC Project Space Open Hours

Saturday - Thursday, 11am-9pm

Textile Arts Center (TAC) is an NYC-based resource facility founded in 2009, dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of textiles through creative educational programs for children and adults. At TAC, we unite the textile community and advocate for the handmade by providing accessible, skills-based classes and facilities that reinvigorate engagement with traditional crafts.