Stories in Cloth: Communicating Through Textiles

Stories in Cloth: Communicating Through Textiles is an exhibition presented by the La Jolla Historical Society in partnership with the Visions Museum of Textile Art.

The show explores how textiles from around the world and throughout history have been used to communicate stories, identity, and shared experience. Focusing on three key themes—storytelling, activism and resistance, and cultural expression—the exhibition highlights historic and contemporary works, collaborations with local artists, and loans from institutions and artists. Stories in Cloth celebrates textiles as powerful tools for connection, creativity, and cultural expression.

Featuring works by Charlotte Bird, Patricia Kelly, President of the San Diego People of Color Quilt Guild, Michelle Montjoy, Christine Lee, Maryam Bayat and Persian Place, Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski of Sew Loka, and the Barona Cultural Center & Museum, this exhibition explores the stories, identities, and traditions expressed through cloth and textile art. Selections from the Visions Museum of Textile Art permanent collection further enrich the exhibition, creating a dialogue between contemporary makers and enduring textile traditions.

This exhibition is made possible through the generosity of the Seth Sprague Educational and Charitable Foundation, Pamela Dekema, Ann Craig, and Carole and Nicholas Preece.