Braids & Threads: Connecting Legacies
We’re pleased to present the inaugural project of our new space in Dupont Circle (1350 Connecticut Ave. NW). Braids & Threads: Connecting Legacies is organized by artists Monica Jahan Bose and Autumn Spears.
Both Bose and Spears lean into their diasporic heritage in their practices, incorporating skills they learned from their elders: sewing/textiles (Bose) crocheting and hair braiding techniques (Spears). Their ongoing conversations—across generations, between Gen X and Gen Z—have opened up new energy and direction in both of their practices. This is their first collaboration.
For this project, Bose and Spears engage in a series of conversations—some recorded as podcasts—about the relevance of exploring connection with heritage, mothers, and ancestors. Together, they consider how weaving inherited knowledge into contemporary work can promote resilience.
Using the concepts, stories, and ideas arising from these conversations, the two artist-organizers created new work and a site-specific installation in WPA’s project space using multilingual text, embroidery, braiding, sewing, crochet, fiber art, and printmaking. It will be an evolving exhibition and work-space, where other artists and community members are invited to drop in and contribute with their own stories and art-making.
Braids & Threads: Connecting Legacies will begin on Saturday, December 13, 2025 with an Opening Reception from 3:00–5:00pm. Attendees are invited to bring vintage vinyl to play along with the artists’ selection of intergenerational grooves.
The project will be presented in our new location in Dupont Circle, 1350 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC.
Exhibition dates: December 13, 2025–March 8, 2026
Gallery hours: Wednesday–Friday, 12:00–6:00pm, and Saturday, 1:00–5:00pm
This project is a part of our open call project series, “Lineages: Generations of Creative Resilience in the District,” which invited DC-area artist duos to submit proposals for projects that center intergenerational collaboration. Conceived in concert with WPA’s 50th Anniversary and the recent launch of its digital archive, this prompt reflects on the potential of intergenerational community-building among artists in the District as a way to carry forward vulnerable histories and imagine resilient futures.
Public Programs
Artists’ Conversation & Heritage Meal with guest Adam Chamy on Sunday, February 8 from 6:00–8:00pm at Eaton House.
Woodblock Workshop on Friday, February 13 from 3–5pm at WPA Project Space.
Crochet Circle on Friday, February 20 from 3–5pm at WPA Project Space.
Closing Day & Performance on Sunday, March 8 from 1-5pm, performance begins at WPA at 3:00pm and ends at Heurich House (1307 New Hampshire Ave NW).
A regular weekly Tea Time with the artists, on Fridays from 3–5pm, will welcome visitors to join in conversation and collaborate on the evolving installation. Workshops focused on crocheting and block printing will also occur onsite throughout the project’s duration. Follow us on Instagram for weekly updates.
