Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi
June 12 – September 12, 2026
THE DR. ROBERT L. BRANDT, JR. FAMILY GALLERY
THE IRA & SUSAN THOMSEN FAMILY GALLERY
THE JACK W. AND SALLY D. EICHELBERGER FOUNDATION VIDEO GALLERY
The Contemporary Dayton is proud to present Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi, in partnership with The Charles F. Kettering Foundation, a landmark solo exhibition of recent work by award-winning artist, historian, and curator Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi. Now an octogenarian, Mazloomi remains one of the most visionary leaders in contemporary quilting, widely recognized for her lifelong efforts to elevate African American quilt traditions. Her striking black-and-white quilts memorialize the lives and legacies of Black freedom fighters, capturing resilience, resistance, and remembrance through bold imagery and layered narrative. Illustrated in Mazloomi’s quilts are Frederick Douglas, Fannie Lou Hamer, Henrietta Lacks, John Lewis, Emmitt Till, Sojourner Truth, and many more.
Considered to be one of the first artists to use the medium of quilting to further social justice causes, activism, and African American storytelling, Mazloomi speaks out on issues of police reform, equality in the public school system, literacy in Black neighborhoods, gun violence awareness, and inequality in voting rights. Her extraordinary impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Bess Lomax Hawes NEA National Heritage Fellowship, a United States Artists Fellowship, and an American Craft Council Honorary Fellowship. Mazloomi’s work is held in major collections, including the Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Art Museum.
As The Contemporary Dayton marks its 35th anniversary, it joins the nation in commemorating America’s 250th birthday by centering the theme of freedom of expression across its exhibitions and public programs. Rooted in democratic ideals of open dialogue, civic participation, and the exchange of diverse perspectives, this focus positions art as a vital space for reflection, conversation, and community engagement. Threads of History: Quilts by Carolyn Mazloomi embodies this theme by illuminating overlooked histories, honoring cultural memory, and celebrating the power of storytelling through art.
Image: Carolyn Mazloomi, Nobody’s Free Until Everybody’s Free: Fannie Lou Hamer, 2024, poly-cotton fabric, cotton batting, poly-cotton thread, textile paint and India ink; stenciled and hand painted, machine quilted, 78 x 60.5 inches. Courtesy of the artist.
OPENING NIGHT / Friday, June 12
Member & Sponsor Preview: 5-6 pm
Public Reception: 6-8 pm
Remarks and Artist Talk: 6:30 pm
As Dayton’s contemporary art center, The Contemporary Dayton is committed to serving the urban Dayton community and low-income audiences through free access to art and programming. Threads of History honors Dr. Mazloomi’s extraordinary legacy while advancing the organization’s mission of inclusion, access, and cultural equity.
Critical Reviews
Additional Programs*
*All Public Programs are Free & Open to All Unless Otherwise Indicated
Insight into the artist’s work and legacy by Dr. Sharbreon Plummer / Thursday, September 10
6:30p
Dr. Plummer is an internationally published writer, public scholar, curator, and interdisciplinary artist from south Louisiana. She is the founder of AYA Thought Studio and has spent the past fifteen years developing and facilitating transformative programs, initiatives, and research centered on liberation and justice through arts and culture. She received her PhD in Arts Administration, Education, and Policy from The Ohio State University.
People’s Banner Workshop with Migiwa Orimo / Saturday, September 12
11 am – 2 pm
Yellow Springs–based artist Migiwa Orimo will lead an activation of her ongoing People’s Banner Workshop, which provides free visual aids including banners, signs, and props, for direct action, protest rallies, picket lines, and other street actions supporting social justice.
The workshop will be inspired by the bold visual language and powerful narratives of Dr. Mazloomi’s quilts.
Guided Tours / June 13, July 16, August 15
Join us for a closer look at the exhibition, with fresh insights into the artist and her work.
FREE and open to all.
June 13, 2p
July 16, 6p
August 15, 2p
Sponsors
In Partnership:
The Charles W. Kettering Foundation
Education & Public Program Partner:
Dr. Robert L. Brandt, Jr.
Community Partners:
Artists Impact Working Group
Board of Trustees
Cross Street Partners
Hilton Garden Inn Dayton Downtown