Welcome to Talking Textiles Gallery

Talking Textiles Gallery celebrates the transformative power of art and community. This project is the result of a year-long collaboration between fine artist Gary V. Lett, the Sirius Healthy Young Scholars Academy (SHYS), and The African American Museum of Beginnings. Through the “Each One Teach One” program, elders and youth came together to create improvisational fabric portrait art, bridging generations and fostering healing.

Our Mission: Rooted in the belief that it’s never too late—or too early—to learn and heal, SHYS offers “New Starts” for all ages. The program recognizes the ongoing social, economic, and emotional impacts of history, and aims to repair and strengthen African American families and communities through creative cooperation.

About the Project: Elders learned the art of fabric portraiture from Mr. Lett, then passed their knowledge to the youth, embodying the “Each One Teach One” philosophy. The process taught artistic technique, encouraged reflection, storytelling, and academic writing—using cloth fabric as a unique medium inspired by the tradition of quilting.

Why It Matters: By bringing together elders and youth, the project seeks to reconcile lost trust and bridge generational gaps caused by systemic racism and historical trauma. Through art, participants found new ways to connect, heal, and honor their stories.

Supported By: The Picerne Family Foundation