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Join us for an inspiring artist talk in conjunction with Celebrating Black Mermaids: From Africa to America, curated by Torreah “Cookie” Washington. This powerful exhibition showcases mixed-media fiber works by acclaimed artists from across the country, honoring African water spirits and mermaid goddesses rooted in West African traditions.
Through vibrant textures, storytelling, and symbolism, the artists explore themes of ancestral strength, spirituality, and cultural memory. The talk will dive deeper into the creative process behind the work and the enduring legacy of Black mermaids as symbols of resilience and transformation.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the artists and curator as they share the myths, histories, and inspirations that shape this remarkable exhibition.
About the Curator
Torreah “Cookie” Washington is a fourth-generation needleworker and Charleston-based fiber artist known for her narrative art quilts that honor the Divine Feminine and African ancestral heritage. Born in Rabat, Morocco, and self-taught in quilting, she carries forward the legacy of the women in her family—seamstresses, designers, and tailors—while forging her own path in textile-based art.
For over 16 years, she has curated the African American Fiber Arts Exhibit for the North Charleston Arts Festival, helping the exhibition grow into a traveling showcase across the South. Cookie’s work is griot in spirit, using fabric, form, and storytelling to inspire emotional connection, cultural reflection, and social dialogue. She also teaches in underserved communities, gives school lectures, and donates quilts to support the unhoused.
One of her proudest honors was being chosen as one of 44 Master Art Quilters to create a quilt in celebration of President Barack Obama’s 2009 inauguration. Her work has been featured in several documentaries, including Skin Quilt and The Wayshowers, for which she served as executive producer.