Published: Dec. 17, 2020

BadAssCrossStitch
Shannon Downey,

Chrissy Lau
Dr. Chrissy Lau

CheyOnna Sewell
Dr. CheyOnna Sewell

Bad Ass Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch Protest Sign by Shannon Downey of

Craftivism is a form of activism centered on practices of craft - or what can traditionally be referred to as "domestic arts", including yarn-bombing, cross-stitch, quilting, sewing and mask-making. It is a social process of collective empowerment, action, expression and negotiation, which invites engagement and critical discourse.

Join us for a free two-part event exploring the intersections of art, activism and feminism, through dialogue and action. The first session will feature a panel discussion and Q&A, and the second session will be a hands-on crafting workshop for students, with all materials provided.

Craftivism 101: Forum Discussion
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
5:00 - 6:30pm MST

Thanks to everyone who joined us for a lively discussion and Q&A on the intersections of art, activism and feminism, moderated by Dr. Samira Mehta, featuring panelists:

  • Shannon Downey: the artist and activist behind , is a community organizer disguised as a fiber artist and craftivist. She blends her politics, activism, and art into projects that are designed to inspire others to take action, think, discuss, engage with democracy and their community, and find some digital/analog balance. She teaches at DePaul University, Columbia College, and Salem College but is currently traveling the country in her (socially distant) RV.
  • Chrissy Lau, PhD: assistant professor of history at Cal State Monterey, member of the , and co-editor of the forthcoming book听We Go Down Sewing.
  • CheyOnna Sewell, PhD: assistant director of social science education,听Miramontes Arts & Sciences Program, and co-founder of , a collective that knits for Black Liberation.

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Craftivism 101: Workshop
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
5:00 - 7:00pm MST

Get acquainted with craftivism, learn to embroider, stitch something brilliant, and make friends鈥攁ll in just 2 hours!听

Craft-based activism has been used as a tool of resistance, coalition building, and even espionage! Learn from Shannon Downey鈥攁 leader in the modern craftivism movement. She will provide an introduction to the history of craftivism and ways you can get involved in the modern movement. Shannon will then teach you how to听embroider and have you stabbing it out in no time. She guarantees you walk away feeling better than when you logged in.听

Become a craftivist yourself with step-by-step professional instruction, and all materials provided - FREE!

Register by Mon., January 25th. This workshop is limited to the first 20 CU students who sign up.

Registration for the workshop has now closed.

This event is funded through the generosity of the Center for Humanities & the Arts Small听Grant听Program, and sponsored by the Department of Women and Gender Studies. For more information, please contact wgst@colorado.edu.

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