Roman’s Room: The Touch Me Exhibit
A Sensory Art Exhibit by Nikki Stokes of HGE Designs Co.
WOW! Last night, at the first ever Hampden Art Walk (third Thursday, 5-7)—I went to see Roman’s Room by fiber artist Nikki Stokes, because I know that Stokes is amazing.
I first saw her work at a craft show admiring her crocheted hats with balls on top like ears. Then I admired her portraits, like the one she crocheted of Prince, and amazing dresses on instagram. I had heard good things about Make Studio, and wanted to check it out.
A MULTI-SENSORY ADVENTURE
“Roman’s Room: The Touch Me Exhibit”, a groundbreaking sensory art experience designed to make art inclusively accessible through spaces that bring beauty, healing and value to the lives of our community.
Can I touch?
Looking back on last night I have to laugh. After asking the artist if I could touch her “Touch Me Exhibit.” But I wasn’t the only one. “I should put up a touch-me sign,” said Stokes. Exploring her art some of the small green mossy objects felt rough, some felt so soft, some heavy, some solid, and oh so very touchable.
It felt like a dream I had once. A world created out of yarn.
The experience
Even though I was greeted with friendliness, I felt more socially awkward than I had anticipate. But the art brought a smile to my face. I could explore while listening Nikki Stokes explain to two curious delighted visitors, who were asking many questions, her journey as a family with autism and the things her husband and her had learned that helped her son. How her son liked the sensory feeling of weight. About marvel movies, and learning about emotions.
I listened to the sound of knitting needles. And touched the fake fur. this is definitely my style of a hoe down!
Even though there was a loom, that looked so appealing. I almost left, out of the inability to settle myself. But noticing the two other friendly people sitting there invited a third newcomer to join, I decided I would also not miss this opportunity to work on a communal loom. Weaving my bright orange thread, I overheard more stories of creativity. The new person who joined talked about a flower making loom. Then we chatted about sewing. It was an incredibly peaceful and chill way to hang out.
(I snapped this photo candidly, mid-weaving, impressed that Nikki was hand crocheting while conversing. Wanting to capture the moment.)
We enjoyed the feel of the yarn, the different wild luxurious weights. I had also had a discussion with the artist who gave a great poetic reflection upon the value of touch while crafting, and all the information we get through the world through touch or feeling that we know how something feels.
Thank you Nikki, and everyone for sharing that experience. And to the person who brought over an extra chair for me. :)
Nikki Stokes
Born and raised in Baltimore, Nikki Stokes is a mother, yarn enthusiast, fiber aficionado, social innovator, and change maker. More at her website.
GO see “Roman’s Room” @ Make Studio- UP til Mid-August!!!!
I definitely recommend you go see this show. While art looks great in photographs, it looks so much better in Real Life!
Roman’s Room is at Make Studio, until Mid-August.
Make Studio is a community-based arts center and gallery in Baltimore, MD, envisioning a world of acceptance and inclusion where art opens doors for everyone. Make Studio empowers artists with disabilities to grow as professionals with visibility and voice in their communities. We create opportunities for everyone to connect through art. Make Studio is the only progressive art studio in the Baltimore metro area and currently serves 45 member artists.
3326 Keswick Rd. Baltimore, MD 21211
Gallery hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. & by appt.
P.S.
Here are some extra links for you, in case you would like to explore and know more.
Nikki interviewed on Autism for Badass Moms: Ep. 37 Autism for Badass Moms
https://blog.lionbrand.com/my-life-in-yarn-nikki-stokes/
https://www.craftcouncil.org/show/artist/nikki-stokes?show=98551
https://pathfindersforautism.org
