Shared Threads-

This spring, Arlene’s Artist Materials and the R Gallery at Arlene’s partner with CREATE Community Studios – Troy to bring a one‑of‑a‑kind collaboration into the community. Shared Threads brings together the 2023–24 Artists in Residence—Maria DeAngelo, Ottavia Huang, Tracy Loring, and Aly Parrott—and Brosgé, the locally rooted, sustainably sourced clothing brand led by artist Jennifer Wilkerson.

 

At the center of the exhibition is a collection of ten limited‑edition, bespoke aprons, each one a fusion of fine art and ethically made fashion. Crafted from vintage and sustainably sourced materials hand‑dyed by Wilkerson, the aprons also feature painted, printed, and embellished by the artists in residence. Every piece reflects a deep, intentional collaboration—where textile meets brushstroke, and sustainability meets storytelling. The back gallery expands this narrative with a group exhibition of the artists’ works, offering visitors a fuller understanding of each artist’s creative process and the ideas that shaped their creative vision.

 

Shared Threads extends beyond the gallery walls through a series of artist‑led workshops designed to invite visitors into the techniques, materials, and approaches used throughout the project. These hands-on experiences offer a direct connection to the practices behind the work.

 

Two public receptions will be held during Troy Night Out on Friday, April 24, 2026, and Friday, May 29, 2026. Both evenings will feature make‑and‑take activities and a screening of Shared Threads, a short documentary capturing the spirit, challenges, and triumphs of this interdisciplinary journey.

 

This exhibition is a celebration of craft, community, and conscious creation—a reminder that art can be worn, shared, and made with care.