Kristin Abhalter Smith
Double Stitch
1224 W Loyola Ave, Chicago IL
October 18, 2024 - November 2, 2024

Reception Friday, October 18 from 6-9 PM
with performances by Sara Zalek, John Marks and Crystal Myslajek 



Open Hours Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays 4-7 PM
Closing and RS Anniversary Saturday, November 2 from 6-9 PM

Join us for the 200th art project of Roman Susan, which concludes our 12th year, and begins our 13th season at 1224 W Loyola Ave in Chicago, Illinois. Double Stitch features garments, costumes, and objects created by Roman Susan founder Kristin Abhalter Smith in collaboration with others, alongside related artworks and ephemera by Eliza Fernand, Ginger Krebs, AJ McClenon, Vida Sačić, Corey Smith, Lauren Sudbrink, and others. The opening reception on October 18 will feature performances by John Marks and Crystal Myslajek from Minneapolis, and Sara Zalek from Chicago.



Kristin Abhalter Smith is a multimedia artist, designer, and organizer who specializes in collaborative projects. She started Roman Susan in 2012, and has led the organization to share the work of 1165 artists at 30+ locations. Her practice is focused on soft sculpture, printed and painted materials, and patchwork in relation to the body in motion. Themes of exuberance as well as grief are expressed through garments constructed with hand drafted patterns and found materials. The inspiration to collaborate and support other artists to produce their work is a continued thread of a professional background in scenic art and design for the stage. Kristin has an MFA from the University of Minnesota and is the founding director of Roman Susan. Chicago exhibition history includes Art on Armitage, Flatland, Hyde Park Art Center, Ignition Projects, and NEIU Gallery, among others. For more information, visit kristinabhalter.com.