artxstitch

I am a visual artist, curator, and hand embroiderer primarily in  Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,  and San Francisco, California. My work focuses on cultural narratives and the stories of underrepresented, unseen and forgotten individuals and communities that impacted who we are today. Using  hand embroidery, painting, and  textile arts I aim to create pieces that explore historical and contemporary themes, aiming to inspire reflection and dialogue with viewers.

My creation of the Mason Art Stitch Collective has allowed me to work as an Exhibition Curator and Hand Embroidery Teacher at the Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.  Since November 2022 the MSAC community has been meeting twice a week. I coordinate educational programs like workshops and lectures, facilitate partnerships with community organizations, adding a wellness lens to our practice. I also develop and implement creative exhibitions and present gallery talks, workshops at Cherry Street Pier as a co-founder of GrioxArts. I have been a Hand Embroiderer for the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) since October 2015, where I specialize in embroidering flags for U.S. Presidents and Vice Presidents and serve as a curator and lead docent for the Heraldics collection.During my art journey, I have had the honor of receiving several grants and awards such as the Black Music City Grant Award in March 2025 and February 2024,  also named a Mural Arts Black Fellow in March 2024, as well as the Bartol Foundation Marrazzo Bartol Micro-grant Winter of 2025, and the Radical America! Philadelphia Historical Society Grant in March 2026. My work has been acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, United Kingdom, which is a significant achievement. I've also been awarded U.S. Military Challenge Coins for my dedication to craft excellence and teamwork.

I have a diverse educational background focused on the arts, particularly textiles and hand embroidery. Receiving a BA in Communication Arts from SNHU, has provided me with the tools to effectively share my work and engage with the world. My specialized training, Certificate and Diploma with Merit from the Royal School of Needlework,UK, in January 2009 to 2012 provided me with applied and historical knowledge. Haute Couture Embroidery and Beading at Ecole Lesage in Paris, France from 2012 to 2013, introduced me to fashion.

I began  my skills with a Poh Chang National Mural Arts School Apprenticeship in Bangkok, Thailand, from 2000 to 2001, Transistioned and  hold a Jewelry Technician Diploma from the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco, CA, May 2009 and 2010. My education also includes a Certificate from The Hang Sang Soo Embroidery Museum in Seoul, South Korea (2011) and training in Zardosi Embroidery from Atelier Zardosi in Paris (2013) , as well as Hawaiian Traditional Feather Lei-Making in Honolulu, HI (2008)