Common Threads is a museum art-making experience that brings together fiber artists from the tri-county area to explore creativity and mindfulness as a community. Whether you're into crochet, knitting, or embroidery, this event offers a chance to connect with fellow makers while working on your craft.

The experience begins with a guided tour of the special exhibition Painted with Silk, led by museum studio staff. Afterward, participants will have the opportunity to work on their own fiber projects in the serene Crystal Gallery, located above the Detroit Film Theatre.

Please bring your ongoing projects along with any necessary tools, such as hooks and needles. Materials will not be provided.

Tour & celebrate the exhibition Tiff Massey: 7 Mile + Livernois with Founders Junior Council and enjoy lite bites and entertainment immediately following.

Experience the highlights of the DIA on a free guided tour with American Sign Language interpretation. Tours meet in the Great Hall at 1 p.m. and last approximately 45–60 minutes.

Experience the highlights of the DIA on a free guided tour with American Sign Language interpretation. Tours meet in the Great Hall at 1 p.m. and last approximately 45–60 minutes.

Join us for a captivating evening with renowned fiber artist Elaine Reichek as she shares insights into her artistic journey, from painting to embroidery and textile work. In conversation with curators Ken Myers and Katie Pfohl, Reichek will explore the historical and contemporary significance of embroidery in art.

Event Schedule:

5:00 PM – 6:15 PM | Cocktail Party in Rivera Court ($65)

6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Public Lecture in Danto Lecture Hall (Free) 

Guests are able to purchase a ticket for the cocktail party, and attend the free public lecture following. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on the evolving role of embroidery in the art world!

Caption:   Elaine Reichek, Sampler (H.R.) 1993

Hand embroidery on linen

The Jewish Museum (New York)
 

Schedule

• 1 p.m. Lecture from exhibition curator Kenneth Myers | Lecture Hall
• 1:30 p.m, Tour of the exhibition Painted with Silk: The Art of Early American Embroidery
• 2:15 p.m. Panel discussion | Lecture Hall
• 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Reception | FJC Dining Rooms

Join us for our Annual Meeting to review the events and programs of the 2023-2024 year. The evening will also feature a special viewing of the new exhibition, "The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World," with Curator Katherine Kasdorf.

On the final day of the twelfth annual community exhibition Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos, join us for a special discussion with the artists behind the altars on display. The event will begin with a presentation by members of the Mexican Consulate, exploring the rich history of Día de Muertos and the tradition of Ofrenda altars. Following this, each artist will share the inspiration and significance of their altar and will be available to answer your questions. 

The program, lasting 90 minutes, is suitable for all ages, though some topics may be challenging for children under 10.

This program is free with museum admission. Capacity is limited and seating begins 30 minutes prior to performance start in the DIA’s Lecture Hall. Presented with live American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.

Please join the DIA for a conversation between internationally recognized artist Tiff Massey and award-winning filmmaker and writer dream hampton. This talk will explore the themes behind Massey's celebrated exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts, 7 Mile + Livernois, on view through May 11, 2025.

This event is an official part of the program for the 2024 Detroit Month of Design. This citywide project gathers designers, consumers, residents, and the greater community to celebrate Detroit's role as a national and global design capital.

Learn about all the perks of your membership inside the museum and in the community!