:focal(1500x993:1501x994)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/55/18/5518c926-2775-47a1-95f6-577d39d64d70/feltopener.jpg)
Left to right, Butler’s larger-than-life fabric depictions are inspired by African American stories she’s compelled to share. Marzan links fibers from plants indigenous to Hawaii and other Pacific islands into astonishing shapes. Arnold builds on thousands of years of felt-making in creations that allude to community and nature, such as a flowing river.
Left to right: Celeste Sloman; Michelle Mishina; Jessica Chou
:focal(750x607:751x608)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/ae/15/ae15c247-dd9c-41ae-a231-cdf32596a195/untitled-2.jpg)
:focal(757x400:758x401)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/c1/19/c119bba9-73a8-4b97-8906-32e6e5b26703/3.jpg)
:focal(1445x1087:1446x1088)/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/69/5d/695d9d00-98c9-437d-a914-36f02852db9d/julaug2023_m13_textileartists.jpg)