Erin Kennealy is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago whose work explores fiber art, embroidery, repurposed materials, and the long tradition of “women’s work.” A major influence is her grandmother Magdalena, whose embroidery, tatting, resourcefulness, and independent spirit inspired Erin to carry these traditions forward in her own way. Erin transforms repurposed clothing, discontinued designer remnants, vintage materials, found objects, and organic elements into one-of-a-kind artworks. Every piece is created by hand through drawing, cutting, sewing, painting, and gathering natural materials. At the heart of her practice is a desire to recognize the beauty and possibility in things that might otherwise be overlooked or considered “less than,” giving them a new opportunity to shine.