Agents of Change: Margaret Fabrizio and Kawandis exhibition is a celebration of selected works from Margaret Fabrizio, an internationally acclaimed mixed-media quilt and fiber artist. The exhibition focuses on a collection of work created over the last decade that is inspired by the Kawandi style of quilting, a technique developed by the Siddis culture that Fabrizio learned from during her travels in India.

Fabrizio was first introduced to the Kawandis while visiting a quilt exhibition in 2011. Intrigued by the craft form and determined to learn more, Fabrizio traveled to a remote state of Karnataka, India, where she spent two weeks with a local Siddi community, observing and learning the technique. She noted that Siddi quilters have a unique assembly process, working from the outside in, turning edges under and then stitching them together. These hand-stitched quilts are traditionally made from scraps, old saris and patches of recycled cloth, layered and arranged in a distinctive geometrical pattern.

Since her journey to Karnataka, Fabrizio has made over a hundred quilts, all by hand, using methods and materials characteristic of Kawandi quilts. She has made a significant contribution in sharing the Siddi Kawandi style with the West and has gained worldwide recognition for her unique Kawandi-influenced style.

This exhibition highlights three major categories of Fabrizio’s work that capture Fabrizio’s explorations of color, texture, and pattern, texture, and her deep curiosity for bringing together cross-cultural inspiration to expand the quilting landscape. As Agents of Change, Fabrizio’s quilts can teach us valuable lessons about respect, reverence, and humility and have a potential to patch us together despite our differences.

Hanna Regev
Guest Curator

Opening Night Celebration Thursday, September 15 | 6-8pm
Ruth’s Table Gallery | Onsite



Exhibition Dates
September 15 - November 11, 2022
Ruth’s Table Gallery



Exhibition Viewing Room
This exhibition will be available for viewing online soon. Check back for details.

Curatorial Statement →