Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is showcasing "Painted with Silk: The Art of Early American Embroidery," an exhibition featuring 69 embroideries and one painting. These works, crafted by American girls and young women during the colonial and early national periods, will be on display from December 13, 2024, to June 15, 2025.

The exhibition highlights the role of needlework in the education of American girls from affluent families between the early 1700s and about 1830. These embroidered pieces served as diplomas, reflecting both skill mastery and the self-discipline expected of privileged young women at that time. The exhibit juxtaposes historic embroideries with contemporary works by feminist artist Elaine Reichek to explore cultural assumptions related to gender, race, and class.

DIA Director Salvador Salort-Pons remarked on the significance of such exhibitions in encouraging inquiry into history and culture. "Exhibitions at the Detroit Institute of Arts present opportunities to encourage inquiry about ourselves, our history, and our world," he said. "This wonderful presentation is a rare chance to learn more about this important American artform."

All but three items in the exhibition are loans from private collectors. The collection includes samplers embroidered with silk threads on linen, wool, or silk supports. Many were framed for display and became family heirlooms passed down through generations.

The exhibition spans three galleries, starting with simpler embroideries used for teaching basic skills like the alphabet and numbers. It progresses to more complex pieces depicting biblical stories or literature themes. Some emphasize virtues such as obedience while others celebrate famous women known for their sacrifices.

Alongside historical pieces are contemporary embroideries by Elaine Reichek. Originally trained as a painter, Reichek uses embroidery—a medium historically associated with women—to critique societal norms regarding gender and identity.

Kenneth John Myers, DIA’s Byron and Dorothy Gerson Curator of American Art commented on these works' fragility yet enduring beauty: “Early American embroideries are fascinating survivors from our nation’s past,” he said.

To complement this exhibition there will be several events aimed at educating visitors about American embroidery history:

- On December 15th Kenneth Myers will discuss collecting practices with private collectors who contributed pieces.

- Emelie Gevalt from New York's American Folk Art Museum will address representation issues in historic schoolgirl embroideries on February 12th.

- A session hosted by curators Kenneth Myers & Katie Pfohl featuring artist Elaine Reichek is scheduled for April 2nd.

These events offer additional insights into both historical context & modern interpretations within this unique art form.