Workshop Series: Punching Bag Embroidery

Join artist Elsa Mora for a series of collaborative embroidery workshops exploring the quiet, often unseen labor of care.

Over the course of three Thursday night sessions on Oct. 22, 29, & Nov. 5, participants will embroider the canvas covers of life-sized punching bags for an upcoming exhibition on motherhood. Participants will use simple chain stitches, following drawings created by Elsa. As each cover gradually fills with thread, the individual contributions will become part of a larger sculptural installation, reflecting the strength, vulnerability, and resilience woven through acts of caregiving.

These workshops create space for reflection, conversation, and making together. While rooted in experiences of parenting, the project embraces a broader understanding of care, welcoming anyone who has nurtured, supported, or carried responsibility for another person: parents, stepparents, adoptive parents, grandparents, chosen family, partners, siblings, friends, and caregivers of all kinds.

No embroidery experience is necessary. All materials will be provided, and Elsa will guide participants through the stitching process. Because each embroidered punching bag is created over multiple sessions, participants are asked to commit to attending three workshops.

Registration for this workshop series, from 5 to 7 PM on Thursday, Oct. 22, 29, & Nov. 5, is free.