Department of Art History

The Visual Resources Center is excited to announce the newest addition to the Joel Snyder Materials Collection – a set of hand-embroidery samplers created by local artist and University of Chicago student Charlie Kolodziej (AB’22). Each sampler illustrates sixteen different foundational and embellished stitch techniques as well as other materials used in embroidery like beads and ribbon. The two hoops are also accompanied by a custom, written guide detailing how the stitches are accomplished and in what scenarios they might be used. The samplers will be an invaluable hands-on resource to instructors and students teaching and researching fiber art. They’ll be able to touch, reverse, and closely examine the work and materials that go into the stitches. Images of the Materials Collection can be accessed here (CNetID required). 

Collaborating with Charlie to create this resource came out of the work of 2019-2020 CRASSH Research Scholar Katherine Beavis (AB’21 Classical Studies and Art History) during her position as the Art Materials Research Associate with the VRC in Spring 2020. The Joel Snyder Materials Collection is made up of art historical objects, materials, and tools available for handling, and is developed in consultation with instructor and students’ research and teaching needs. It is particularly strong in print and architectural materials, and the samplers will serve a developing need for materials to use in the department’s growing fiber art and crafts research interests.

Charlie’s personal embroidery art is illustrative in style, depicting botanical elements, human figures and facial features, often influenced by painting and other art styles. In addition to hoop art, Charlie also uses recycled fabric, clothing and other accessories as a canvas. More of Charlie’s work, where the techniques can be seen in use and multiplied, is on Instagram at @charlie_stitched.