In Conjunction with our main exhibition Radical Rage, curated by Charlie Farrell, join exhibiting artist James McKissic and Sadaf Kulsum Khan for a weaving workshop! Participants will learn to dress their loom, take a walk across the street to purchase some found materials from the Habitat for Humanity ReStore with a shared budget, and then spend time working on their projects with guidance. Participants will take home their projects as well as their looms.
image featured: Juneteenth Overshot Weaving, 2026
James McKissic is a Chattanooga-based fiber artist whose work explores themes of identity, memory, cultural resilience, and belonging through weaving and other textile traditions. Drawing inspiration from African American craft histories, community storytelling, and the rich legacy of handwoven textiles, he creates work that bridges historical techniques with contemporary narratives.
McKissic's practice is rooted in a deep appreciation for the social and cultural significance of fiber arts. He has studied weaving at the John C. Campbell Folk School, Foxfire Museum, and through the Chattahoochee Handweavers Guild, with a particular interest in traditional coverlet weaves, overshot, and other historic textile structures. His work often reflects on the ways cloth can preserve memory, honor ancestors, and serve as a vehicle for connection across generations.
Through both his artistic practice and community engagement, McKissic seeks to create spaces for reflection, dialogue, and healing, demonstrating the enduring power of fiber arts to tell stories, strengthen communities, and celebrate shared humanity.
Sadaf Khan is a Chattanooga-based multidisciplinary artist and dedicated art educator with 30 years of global teaching experience. Holding dual bachelor's degrees in Fine Arts and Textile Design with a specialization in weaving, she combines complex technical craftsmanship with community-centered instruction.
As a certified Master Gardener and strong advocate for STREAM education, Sadaf incorporates nature-integrated pedagogy and botanical concepts into holistic learning experiences. Guided by her late mother’s encouragement to share her craft, she serves the local Chattanooga community by leading therapeutic, creative art initiatives for students of all ages.