Founded by artist and educator Sara Trail, Social Justice Sewing Academy uses sewing as a tool for empowerment, education and social change. Photo courtesy of Mills Station Arts & Culture Center

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - The Mills Station Arts & Culture Center (MACC) is proud to present Voices in Thread, an exhibition of powerful community quilts created by the East Bay–based nonprofit organization Social Justice Sewing Academy (SJSA). The exhibit showcases textile works that give voice to youth and community members through storytelling, activism and the enduring tradition of quilting.

Founded by artist and educator Sara Trail, Social Justice Sewing Academy uses sewing as a tool for empowerment, education and social change. Through hands-on workshops, participants translate personal and collective experiences, often addressing themes such as racial justice, identity, community resilience and human rights, into quilt blocks that are later assembled into large-scale community quilts. Each piece serves as both an artistic expression and a visual record of lived experience.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a public reception featuring a talk by Sara Trail, who will share the origins of Social Justice Sewing Academy, the stories behind the quilts, and the role of fiber arts as a medium for civic engagement and social dialogue. The talk offers visitors an opportunity to engage more deeply with the voices and narratives stitched into the work. Voices in Thread highlights quilting not only as a historical art form, but as a contemporary platform for advocacy, connection and collective healing. The exhibit aligns with MACC’s mission to present work that reflects diverse perspectives and fosters meaningful community conversations through the arts.

The exhibit runs until Feb. 21 with a reception and artist talk set for Feb. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the MACC, 10191 Mills Station Rd., Rancho Cordova.

Gallery hours are Thursday and Friday 2-7 p.m. and Saturday 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, please visit rcmacc.org/ or contact Cheryl Gleason 916-225-7800.