TEXTILE ARTS LA: In Conversation
Handwork: Defining America’s Past and Present
at Craft in America Center
Saturday, October 17, 2026
3:00 -5:00 pm

Handwork: Defining America's Past and Present in Fiber 

This landmark year in America's nationhood provides a moment to reflect on how textiles have always had a vital role as our cultural voice. This session will present historic anchoring examples alongside contemporary achievements to examine how innovation, independence, and personal expression are driving principles throughout the centuries. The past enlivens the present and future, providing depth and meaning to contemporary fiber pursuits. Our modern lens can spotlight how fiber artists and makers have always been revolutionaries and visionaries, providing inspiration for the trajectory of fiber now. Today's fiber artists are carrying a long-burning torch and continuing the evolution of a language that captures the complex, nuanced, and contested aspects of American life. 

 Our three speakers are Emily Zaiden, Director and Curator, Craft in America Center; Lauren Cross, Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts, The Huntington; and Tanya Aguiñiga, Multimedia Artist and Activist.  Emily will give us an overview of how fiber is represented in the book Handwork:Handcrafted Objects That Made America and therefore its role across American history. Lauren will talk about her essays in the book and fiber in the American collection at the Huntington, and Tanya will talk about her piece, Metabolizing the Border, which is examined in the book.

Emily Zaiden,