Shannon Downey presents 'Let's Move the Needle'

Create change in the world with this inspiring guide to social activism, using art as a vehicle for creative resistance and community building, written by Shannon Downey – the artist and craftivist behind Badass Cross Stitch.

Shannon Downey will discuss her new book Let's Move the Needle with Jessica Thomas from Handiwork. Attendees can expect to listen and learn, but will also have a chance to get crafty with a hands-on cross-stitch activity.

Craftivism, or the space where art and activism meet, is a powerful, ever-evolving social justice movement that continues to grow and diversify as more voices and mediums take part in it. In Let's Move the Needle, Shannon Downey, an outspoken voice in the craftivist movement for over a decade, provides a roadmap and accessible toolkit for burgeoning art activists.
Filled with self-reflective activities, exercises, prompts, and stories, Let's Move the Needle educates and empowers creatives to center their art around collective action in service of political, social or community issues they are most passionate about; affirming that everyone can be a changemaker and that change-making can be generative, enjoyable, and a bit sassy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shannon Downey is known online as Badass Cross Stitch and her work lives at the intersection of craft and activism. (You might have seen her "Boys Will Be Boys" needlepoint piece, which went viral in response to Harvey Weinstein in 2017).

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This event is in partnership with , , and the for Lit Fest.

The biennial is a weeklong, statewide celebration of books, stories, and community scheduled from October 3-13, 2024. With free literary events held across multiple cities and online, the festival offers something for everyone—from aspiring writers to avid readers, children and families.

Host or Publisher Mechanics' Hall (Maine)