Threads of Liberation: The Fabric of Our Truth

Art Exhibition | June 20th - July 11th
Opening Showcase: June 20, 2026 | 5:00–9:00 PM

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Threads of Liberation: The Fabric of Our Truth is a community-centered exhibition exploring identity, resilience, authenticity, truth, and the many ways liberation can be experienced through creativity, material storytelling, and artistic expression.

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Presented by Dandelion Art Gallery & Studios, NFP, Inc. and its affiliates, the exhibition brings together community artists, members of the Dandelion Artist Alliance, designers, performers, and creatives whose work reflects diverse lived experiences and perspectives. Through visual art, fashion, textiles, wearable art, mixed media, and, performance, participating artists explore what it means to live authentically, reclaim personal narratives, honor heritage, challenge barriers, and celebrate the freedom to be seen..

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Featured artists include Roman Liufa, Jay Ballard, Chris(tine) Woodard, Ivana Cipurko, Hector J. Esquivel, Catriona Cummings, Ava Koot, Aime Bracamontes, Stephanie Colotti, Miyuki Lin Dones, Srivani Vokkarane, and members of the Dandelion Artist Alliance. The exhibition also highlights fashion and wearable art by Kim Rahaal, Robin Clyborn, Loopy Connections, and Michael McConville, Lola Madison and Max Knox whose works examine transformation, culture, identity, memory, and personal storytelling through fabric, fiber, and material expression.

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Honoring the voices of artists from diverse, historically underrepresented, marginalized, emerging, and allied communities, Threads of Liberation creates space for visibility, belonging, dialogue, and connection. At its heart, the exhibition recognizes that every voice has value, every story matters, and every thread contributes to the fabric of our collective truth.

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As part of the exhibition experience, visitors are invited to participate in the Threads of Liberation Community Weaving Experience, a collaborative installation where community members may contribute a word, reflection, symbol, or message on a fabric strip and weave it into a growing collective artwork. Together, these contributions create a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences, hopes, histories, and aspirations.

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Through art, conversation, and community engagement, Threads of Liberation: The Fabric of Our Truth celebrates the power of creative expression to foster understanding, inspire healing, build bridges across differences, and remind us that liberation grows stronger when we create, learn, and celebrate together.

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Presented in partnership with the LGBTQ+ Center Lake County and sponsored in part by DC.CreativeConcepts, LLC and the Illinois Arts Council, this exhibition is made possible through the collective efforts of the Dandelion Artist Alliance, Dandelion aRT Coalition Unite, participating artists, performers, designers, community partners, and supporters who have come together to share their voices, stories, talents, and truths through the arts.

Community Showcase & Artist Meet & Greet

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Join us on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 5:00–9:00 PM during ArtWauk for a free community showcase featuring participating artists, live performances, interactive art experiences, and opportunities to connect with creatives from across the region.

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Guests are invited to explore the exhibition, meet participating artists, engage in meaningful conversations inspired by the artwork, and contribute to the Threads of Liberation Community Weaving Experience. This special evening celebrates creativity, culture, connection, and self-expression while honoring the diverse stories and experiences that shape our community.

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Free and open to the public. All ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities are welcome. Donations are appreciated and help support Dandelion's mission, while artwork purchases directly support participating artists and sustain future exhibitions, educational programs, creative wellness initiatives, and community arts opportunities.

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Contact us for private showings by texting 224-440-8006 or visit www.dandeliongallery.org.