FREE
YOUR
MIND
This public social justice art endeavor aims to gather and showcase personal narratives of microaggressions, offering a cathartic release.
Participants inscribe their experiences onto ribbons, which are then tied to a net, symbolizing liberation.
The evolving installation creates a public record for discussion.
Interactive Art Exhibition
MAY 17 – SEPT 20
Visiting Artist: Theda Sandiford
Free Your Mind @Touchstone
Free Your Mind is a public textile art endeavor led by artist Theda Sandiford, with the objective of gathering, showcasing, embedding, and liberating personal narratives surrounding microaggressions through a multi-sensory installation.
Microaggressions, those nuanced and sometimes unintentional daily interactions, convey hostile, derogatory, or negative messages or assumptions towards historically marginalized groups. The cumulative impact of these routine encounters manifests in tangible consequences—stress, anger, frustration, self-doubt, and ultimately, a sense of powerlessness and invisibility.
This project boldly unveils these interactions to offer a cathartic release. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences of microaggressions by inscribing them onto a ribbon, which is then tied to a net, symbolizing the liberation of these stories from their personal narratives. Each ribbon becomes a tangible “story ribbon.”
Share your “story ribbon” while visiting Touchstone’s campus from May to September.
ABOUT
THE
ARTIST
An acclaimed fiber and installation artist, Theda Sandiford draws inspiration from racial trauma.
Melding various fibers and found materials, she employs free form weaving, coiling, knotting, and jewelry-making techniques.
Her meticulously gathered materials, along with community contributions, serve as a testament to collective memory, transforming into "social fabric" that intertwines contemporary issues and personal narratives, fostering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories.
Join us on Zoom or in-person!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 | 2 p.m.
& TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 | 6 p.m.
Free Your Mind Artist Talks
Visiting Artist: Theda Sandiford
Join us on Zoom or in-person for these powerful and engaging artist talks. This event is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artist about the Free Your Mind art installation project at Touchstone, as Theda shares the creative journey and insights related to the project.
Free Your Mind is a public textile art endeavor led by artist Theda Sandiford, with the objective of gathering, showcasing, embedding, and liberating personal narratives surrounding microaggressions through a multi-sensory installation.
Please Register in Advance for the Zoom Talks
Advance registration for in-person attendance will be available soon.
A Remake Learning Days event.
Visit remakelearningdays.com to search for additional events near you.