Uncommon Threads: Black Representation in Early American Needlework - Detroit Institute of Arts

In early America, education for girls primarily focused on reading, writing, and needlework. While few Black girls had the opportunity to attend schools where they learned fancy needlework, some did. Additionally, although most white girls' embroideries did not feature Black people, there are instances where these works subtly reflect the lives and experiences of people of color. Emilie Gevalt, Curator of Folk Art and Curatorial Chair for Collections at the Museum of American Folk Art, will explore both explicit and implicit representations of people of color in early American needlework, highlighting pieces created by both Black and white makers.