Stories in cloth:
Communicating Through Textiles

From Top to Bottom:

Guadalupe #4: Denim Sueños, 2026, Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski

Kente Cloth from Ghana, West Africa - courtesy of the VMOTA Collection

Sigh, 2020-present, Michelle Montjoy

Mud Cloth from Mali, West Africa - courtesy of the VMOTA Collection

June 27 - September 6, 2026

Stories in Cloth: Communicating Through Textiles is an exhibition presented by the Museum of History and Culture in partnership with the Visions Museum of Textile Art.

The show explores how textiles from around the world and throughout history have been used to communicate stories, identity, and shared experience. Focusing on three key themes—storytelling, activism and resistance, and cultural expression—the exhibition highlights historic and contemporary works, collaborations with local artists, and loans from institutions and artists. Stories in Cloth celebrates textiles as powerful tools for connection, creativity, and cultural expression.

Featuring works by Charlotte Bird, Patricia Kelly, President of the San Diego People of Color Quilt Guild, Michelle Montjoy, Christine Lee, Maryam Bayat and Persian Place, Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski of Sew Loka, and the Barona Cultural Center & Museum, this exhibition explores the stories, identities, and traditions expressed through cloth and textile art. Selections from the Visions Museum of Textile Art permanent collection further enrich the exhibition, creating a dialogue between contemporary makers and enduring textile traditions.

This exhibition is made possible through the generosity of the Seth Sprague Educational and Charitable Foundation, Pamela Dekema, Ann Craig, and Carole and Nicholas Preece.

If you'd like to learn more about Kente cloth and African wax printing techniques, we invite you to read these papers, generously written and shared with us by UC San Diego Professor Boatema Boateng, PhD.

Programs for stories in cloth:

We’re excited to bring a variety of engaging programs alongside the Stories in Cloth exhibition! From hands-on workshops to interactive tours, these experiences are designed to help visitors of all ages explore the creative process, connect with the artists, and deepen their understanding of the works on display.

Learn more about upcoming events, including artist-led workshops, guided tours, and special collaborative programs—there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Upcoming programs

Source: Pablo Mason

Mehregan Festival with persian place

This family-friendly celebration invites guests of all backgrounds to experience the richness of the celebration of autumn through creativity, storytelling, music, and community! Mehregan is one of the oldest and most cherished Persian festivals. Dating back more than 3,000 years, Mehregan celebrates the arrival of autumn, the harvest season, friendship, gratitude, and the beauty of nature.

  • Live Persian Dance & Music Performances celebrating the joy and spirit of Mehregan.

  • Art & Craft Stations with multi-cultural activities for all ages.

  • A Mehregan Display Table featuring seasonal fruits, flowers, and symbolic decorations that reflect the festival’s themes of abundance, gratitude, and the autumn harvest.

Sunday, September 6, 12:00 - 2:00PM
Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street, La Jolla

Past Stories in Cloth Programs

Underground Railroad Quilt Lecture by Patricia Kelly

Join Patricia Kelly of the People of Color Quilt Guild for a thought-provoking lecture exploring the history, symbolism, and enduring legacy of the Underground Railroad Quilt. Through stories, historical context, and quilt traditions, this presentation examines how textiles have served as powerful tools for communication, cultural preservation, and storytelling.

Monday, August 3

Source: Sew Loka

Sewing workshop with Sew Loka

Join us for a beginner friendly group sewing workshop with artist and fashion designer, Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski of Sew Loka. Claudia will teach you the fundamentals of sewing and guide you through the process of creating your very own notebook cover.

Saturday, August 8

Source: Michelle Montjoy

Artist-Guided Workshop with Michelle Montjoy and Anna O’Cain from To Do · A Mending Project

To Do · A Mending Project is a social practice created by artists Michelle Montjoy, Anna O’Cain, and Siobhán Arnold which taps into the restorative power of repair. Join us for a mending and sewing workshop.

Sunday, July 26

Source: Pablo Mason

Curator Guided Tour

Enjoy a curator led tour of our newest exhibition, Stories in Cloth: Communicating Through Textiles. This exhibition celebrates textiles as powerful tools for connection, creativity, and cultural expression. Learn more.

Wednesday, July 15

Source: Michelle Montjoy

Artist-Guided Workshop with Michelle Montjoy and Anna O’Cain from To Do · A Mending Project

To Do · A Mending Project is a social practice created by artists Michelle Montjoy, Anna O’Cain, and Siobhán Arnold which taps into the restorative power of repair. Join us for a mending and sewing workshop.

Saturday, August 15, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Story Tiles with the visions museum of textile art

Join us at the Visions Museum of Textile Art! We will decorate unique fabric squares to create our own work inspired by the three themes presented in Stories in Cloth: cultural expression, activism & resistance, and storytelling.

Wednesday, August 26, 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Visions Museum of Textile Art - 2825 Dewey Road, Suite 100, San Diego, CA

Source: Pablo Mason

artist guided Tour with Maryam Bayat

Join featured artist Maryam Bayat for a conversation about the stories, ideas, and creative process behind her artworks.

Bayat is an interdisciplinary artist whose practice bridges painting, sculpture, and functional art, transforming everyday objects into carriers of memory, identity, and resilience. Working primarily with repurposed furniture, rugs, and sculptural materials, she explores the tension between domestic space and personal freedom, tradition and reinvention.

Thursday, September 3, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street, La Jolla

Source: Pablo Mason

Mehregan Festival with persian place

This family-friendly celebration invites guests of all backgrounds to experience the richness of the celebration of autumn through creativity, storytelling, music, and community! Mehregan is one of the oldest and most cherished Persian festivals. Dating back more than 3,000 years, Mehregan celebrates the arrival of autumn, the harvest season, friendship, gratitude, and the beauty of nature.

  • Live Persian Dance & Music Performances celebrating the joy and spirit of Mehregan.

  • Art & Craft Stations with multi-cultural activities for all ages.

  • A Mehregan Display Table featuring seasonal fruits, flowers, and symbolic decorations that reflect the festival’s themes of abundance, gratitude, and the autumn harvest.

Sunday, September 6, 12:00 - 2:00PM
Wisteria Cottage, 780 Prospect Street, La Jolla