June 8, 2024–January 5, 2025

Winterthur connects the past and the present in an exciting new exhibition showcasing contemporary art. Transformations features more than thirty nationally recognized artists whose work draws inspiration from the historic collections of the museum, garden, and library. Discover how the old influences the new—forging connections across communities, transforming our perspectives about history, and commenting on our lives today. These artistic expressions reflect each artist’s connection to the fine craftsmanship and design in Winterthur’s collection of decorative arts and archival materials as well as its naturalistic garden and landscape.

Transformations is an ongoing project that began in the spring of 2021. Explore the online exhibition now to see current and past works. Then visit the Galleries beginning in June to experience more, in person. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind collaboration!


About Winterthur’s Maker–Creator Research Fellowship 

Most of the artists in Transformations took part in the Maker–Creator Research Fellowship program, which invites artists, writers, filmmakers, horticulturists, craftspeople, and other creative professionals to immerse themselves in Winterthur’s collections. The fellowship provides a stipend and gives access to the museum and estate for research. Works resulting from the fellowships are on view in the galleries and garden. For more information and to apply, visit our Fellowships page.

Artists

Transformations is an ongoing project that began in spring 2021. Explore the Transformations online exhibition for more information on current and past works. This list of participating artists will be updated as new maker-creators are included in the exhibition.

On View

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Damon Smith
Damon G. Smith works in Aberdeen, Maryland, and is an accomplished quilter…

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Kate Sekules
Kate Sekules is a mending advocate, activist, educator, and researcher. She is…

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Bandbox Collective
Bandboxes were used, primarily by women, to store and transport hats, clothing,…

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Gregg Moore and Omar Tate
Our project, ˈȯi-stər, builds on our previous collaborations to connect people in…

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Jerome Bias
Jerome Bias is a furniture maker and cultural heritage practitioner, specializing in…

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Lauren Frances Adams
Lauren Frances Adams is a painter and installation artist whose work has…

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Kirin Joya Makker
Kirin Joya Makker is professor of American Studies at Hobart William Smith…

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Joey Quiñones
Joey Quiñones is a sculptor working primarily with fiber and ceramics. They…

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The Chairmaker’s Toolbox
Winterthur’s collection of furniture and tools from noted shops like that of…

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Ellie Richards
Ellie Richards is a furniture designer and sculptor interested in the role…

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Kathryn Sullivan
Kathryn is a woodworker focused on restoration and conservation. Informed as a…

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Kelly Harris
Kelly Harris is a woodworker, furniture maker, designer, and educator. She designs…

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Aspen Golann
Aspen Golann is a furniture maker, artist and educator whose work explores…

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Rebecca Gilbert
Rebecca Gilbert is a Philadelphia-based artist whose work exemplifies a dedication to…

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Jennifer Steverson
Mojo for Climate Change is inspired by the design of antique seed…

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Alka Raman
Alka Raman is a historian with a Ph.D. from the Department of…

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Elaine K. Ng
Elaine K. Ng is an artist who utilizes material investigation and process-based…

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Margaret O’Neil
Curtains, slipcovers, and other soft furnishings at Winterthur were often made from…

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Alexandra Cade and Tommy Dougherty
While seeking inspiration for their own Winterthur composition, Allie Cade and Tommy…

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The Radish Project
Working with radish and root-vegetable plants, artist Dan Feinberg, soil scientist Dr.…

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Richard Saja
Richard Saja is an artist making work in Catskill, New York. After…

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Samara Weaver
Samara grew up making artwork her whole life. Having an artist for…

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Heather Ossandon
Heather Ossandon creates ceramics that reflect her distinct background. Throughout her career,…

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Sharon Williams
Sharon and Jemica Williams are part of a community of quilters from…

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Andrew Raftery
Andrew Raftery is an artist specializing in fictional and autobiographical narratives of…

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Stefania Urist
Stefania Urist wants people to think about the importance of trees. A…

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Michael Kalmbach and Creative Vision Factory
A new outdoor bench at Winterthur connects communities through history, memories, and…

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Elissa Edwards and Élan Ensemble 
Elissa Edwards combines historic music and sounds from nature to create a…

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Kim Hall and Justin Hardison, Nottene 
The Winterthur landscape inspires Nottene’s redesign of the galleries lounge. Kimberly Hall…

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Past Installations

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Katya Roelse
Designed by Katya Roelse, who recreated Kennedy’s wedding dress on view in…

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Lenny Wilson
Wilson learned to make shoes at a leather-trades college in London before…

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Deirdre Murphy
Since childhood, Deirdre Murphy has been fascinated by nature, citing it as…

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Stefania Urist
Stefania Urist wants people to think about the importance of trees. A…

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Rob Finn
The art of Rob Finn is a bittersweet reminder that life is…

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The Artists & The Muse

Enjoy these behind-the-scenes features and get a glimpse of the artists’ creative process.