The Barn @ Downing Yudain will present “Stitching Connections,” an exhibition of hand-embroidered artwork created by Honduran artisans in collaboration with highly regarded artists Pamela Nelson, Sue Benner, Dan Rizzie and Geoff Gorman. The exhibition opens at a reception on Tuesday, November 17th, and may be seen by appointment daily through December 18th, 2026.
Presented in collaboration with Honduras Threads, a nonprofit that supports economic opportunities for women in rural Honduras, the exhibition will feature the artisans’ embroidered interpretations of the four artists’ designs.
The artisans play an active role in creating each work. Through their choices of stitches, thread colors and texture, they bring their own skills and perspectives to the original designs. The finished pieces connect contemporary art with the expressive possibilities of embroidery.
Nelson has contributed original designs to Honduras Threads since its beginning in 2002. Benner has worked with the organization four years, sharing her expertise as a textile and quilt artist.
Rizzie and Gorman join them in this exhibition, broadening the range of work interpreted by the Honduran artisans.
Founded 24 years ago by M’Lou and Bill Bancroft, Honduras Threads helps women develop embroidery skills and build businesses that provide income for their families. The late M’Lou Bancroft helped establish this work. Artisans’ earnings help pay for food, education and medications, and some of their children are now pursuing higher education.
In 2017, Honduras Threads helped the artisans establish Arte y Creatividad, a member-owned social enterprise. Five artisan groups now work together through the enterprise. Each woman is paid for her labor, and profits are shared as dividends.
Hosted by Lily Downing and David Yudain, “Stitching Connections” offers visitors an opportunity to explore the collaboration and learn about the women behind the embroidered works. The works are available for purchase by collectors.
The Barn @ Downing Yudain is located at 357 Old Long Ridge Road in historic Long Ridge Village in back country North Stamford. The opening reception for “Stitching Connections” is on Tuesday, November 17th from 6pm to 8pm, to which the public is invited. The exhibition may be viewed by appointment by calling 917-544-6417 or emailing [email protected].
The website for The Barn @ Downing Yudain gallery is www.art357.com. The website for Honduras Threads is www.hondurasthreads.org.
Honduras Threads is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports women in rural Honduras through hand embroidery, design collaboration and access to U.S. markets. It provides materials, marketing and technical assistance to help artisans sustain their textile businesses.
