Tobacco Silks by Greta Mikkelsen

In Tobacco Silks, artist Greta Mikkelsen transforms early 20th century tobacco silks – small, printed textiles once given away in cigarette packs – into richly layered quilts that honor both the history of these objects and the women who originally used them. A lifelong textile enthusiast, Mikkelsen turned to fine art after a career in Silicon Valley and formal training in printmaking. Her process blends precision and craftsmanship, beginning with a loose concept of color and pattern that evolves through the careful layering of silk and sari scraps. The result is a body of work that invites visitors to reflect on the legacy of women’s handwork, the endurance of everyday objects, and the beauty of reclaiming forgotten histories. Join us and experience how history, material, and memory are sewn into every thread.