The Contemporary Dayton is presenting "Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi," a landmark solo exhibition featuring the black-and-white quilts of Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. The octogenarian artist, historian, and curator memorializes African American freedom fighters through bold imagery and layered narrative, drawing on her lifelong work to elevate African American quilt traditions. The exhibition runs from June 12 to September 12, 2026, with a free opening reception on June 12.
This exhibition matters because Mazloomi, originally trained as an aerospace engineer, has transformed the cultural landscape by advocating for marginalized African American quilt artists. Through founding the Women of Color Quilters Network and her scholarship, she has brought international recognition to quilting as both fine art and historical record. Her honors include the Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship and a United States Artists Fellowship, and her work is held in major collections such as the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Art Museum.