Sophia Munic (Good Together)

Teaching Artist Sophia Munic stands in center of their class holding a piece of fabric. Participants sit listening as they present.

Over the course of six weeks at Fresh Eye Gallery, teaching artist Sophia Munic facilitated Fabric, Pattern, and Play (November - December 2022). A course inviting participants to play with markers, pens and more to create patterns on fabric. The use of machine and hand sewing shaped fabrics into various stuffed sculptures and visual art. Work produced during the workshop are on display in Good Together, alongside artwork from 5 other workshops led by local teaching artists. Each workshop was designed for individuals with disabilities.

Sophia spent time answering some questions about their art background, their experience as a teaching artist, and advice they may have for other artists interested in bringing art facilitation into their practice.

Good Together is on display until February 11, 2023.

Tell us more about yourself and your art background.  

I am a mostly textile artist based in Minneapolis. I am currently most excited by quilts and how their pattern allows us to articulate gender.  

 
What led you to adding teaching to your art practice? 

It fills me with joy to see others realize their ideas by working with their hands.  

 
What class did you teach for Fresh Eye? What was the experience like? 

I taught Fabric, Pattern, and Play. This was an open ended 6 session workshop that explored drawing on fabric, hand sewing, and machine sewing. Students explored making 2D and 3D objects from an intuitive making process. I loved seeing the different ways students used these skills and how their projects evolved each class. 

 
Do you remember the very first class you ever facilitated? What was it?  

The first class I ever facilitated was when I was an orientation leader in undergrad. I led a one week immersive experience introducing students to different rockclimbing gyms in the area and painting a mural together for our college campus' rock climbing gym. 

 
What type of advice would you have for other artists who are interested in teaching? 
Makes space for student's questions. Listening to what students want to get out of the class is just as important as your lesson plan. 

Sophia Munic is a textile artist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.