led by local artist jessica bell, join us for a hands-on fibers workshop focusing on the historical context of african american women textile workers in todays weaving practices. during the program participants will create their own loomed weavings incorporating a variety of techniques including plain, soumak, and rya knots, while also learning some of the history behind the craft.

this hands-on workshop is open to all ages + free to attend! capacity limited — registration required, donations encouraged.

about the artist
jessica bell is contemporary sculptor and socially engaged artist based in dallas texas. her work focuses on identity, race, environmentalism, and education. growing up as a biracial child with white parents in a small rural town in upstate new york, bell navigates multiple spaces and identities throughout her work. 

using coded visual language, her objects are rarely what they seem - often containing surprising subtexts and histories that reflect her own journey towards reconciling her multiple identities. bell’s work is visually arresting, playful, and sumptuous in its use of materiality. 

additionally, bell is the sculptor professor for booker t. washington school of the performing and visual arts. she has a m.s.ed in arts education from suny new paltz, and in 2020 received artist awards from the office of arts and culture, city of dallas and red bull arts. her work has been shown in a variety of galleries, and she has presented her work as a national leader in art education in urban environments at conferences across the country.

this program has been selected in association with dallas contemporary’s artist-led programs initiative.