RSVP Here for Opening Reception (Complimentary Admission)

Join us in The Guild Room for the opening reception of Amanda Christine Harth's solo exhibition Blue Collar, Friday September 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This exhibition is a highlight of Chicago Textile Week, and features indigo-dyed textiles, repurposed denim garments, and original quilts created by Amanda Christine Harth, as well as research Harth conducted during her artist residency at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Homan Square.

About the Exhibit:

'Blue Collar' is an exploration of African Americans' contributions to denim textiles, twill woven cotton dyed blue with indigo, produced in postcolonial America. The exhibition will feature indigo-dyed textiles, repurposed denim garments, and original quilts created by Amanda Christine Harth and will feature research Harth conducted during her artist residency at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago Homan Square. 'Blue Collar,' a highlight of Chicago Textile Week, will be shown in the Guild Room September 23 - October 29, 2022.

Denim has become Harth's textile of choice due to its timelessness and the complex history of the iconic blue jean color. West Africa has a long historic tradition of harvesting indigo plants to produce the color, yet there are few archives holding garments, photos, tools, and documents to support this important African contribution to indigo’s global and intercontinental history. Blue Collar' will be the first iteration in a series of textile exhibitions created to showcase the individuals from marginalized communities and fashion subcultures that have shaped society.