This exhibition brings together artists whose work explores connection — between people and place, tradition and innovation, hand and material. Through fiber and textile-based practices, this exhibition honors the deep histories embedded in craft while embracing the expansive possibilities of contemporary art.
Rooted in techniques passed down through generations, many of these works pay homage to the labor, knowledge, and cultural memory woven into cloth. At the same time, the 29 artists gathered here — spanning the globe from San Diego to France — push fiber beyond expectation. Experimenting with scale, structure, and concept, they reimagine what textiles can communicate in a modern context. Thread becomes line. Fabric becomes language. Stitch becomes story.
We were honored to collaborate with two accomplished local fiber artists, Michelle Montjoy and Julie Weaverling, who played integral roles in the jurying, curation, and design of this exhibition. We are deeply grateful for their contributions to bringing this project to life, and we are pleased to share a few words from each of them below.
From Michelle Montjoy (Juror/Curator):
What a delight to see this array of works. The works selected range from the gentle gesture to the bold statement, from skillfully wonky to meticulously crafted. I resonated with works that reflect openness with the use of textiles, show the hand of the maker, and take us on a journey. It was an honor to spend time with these works, and I look forward to seeing them hung in the gallery at Studio Ace. Many thanks to Julia Fister for inviting me and Mitzi Summers for all the technical assistance.
From Julie Weaverling (Curator/Exhibition Designer):
The Common Threads exhibition features a range of fiber art forms making it an exciting project to curate. Designed to visually guide viewers from areas bursting with joyful color and bold energy to calm, muted tones and nature-inspired pieces, the progression offers moments of reflection and vitality and allows each work to be appreciated individually while contributing to the cohesive group. What is revealed is fiber arts as an emotional medium, versatile and able to express complex ideas and feelings —an art form that weaves together tradition, innovation, and human connection into a vibrant and meaningful whole.
Studio ACE would also like to extend our sincere thanks to members of the ACE Artist Council who helped bring this exhibition to life: Bob Boon, Barbara Runge, Mitzi Summers, and Larry Vogel. Common Threads reminds us that art — like community — is strengthened by the diverse voices that shape, support, and sustain its fabric.
Thank you to the Participating Artists!
