August 9–September 26, 2026
The Ohio Craft Museum presents A Common Thread, a traveling exhibition honoring the life, art and lasting influence of fiber artist and Ohio Designer Craftsmen member Sue Cavanaugh. Curated by Char Norman, the exhibition opens Sunday, August 9, and features works by xx artists whose lives and creative practices were touched by Cavanaugh’s artistic vision.
A Common Thread is a celebration of artistic connection, collaboration and continuity. Caren Petersen, owner of Muse Gallery, developed the idea after Cavanaugh died in 2022, leaving behind an unfinished, large-scale fabric installation. Rather than allowing the work to remain in storage, Petersen imagined a project that would extend its story through the hands of fellow artists.
“An inspiring and inspired artist, a force of positivity, Sue was an artist we all admired,” says Petersen. “A Common Thread will honor her work, wherein artists will use parts/pieces of this installation in their own work, the concept being that artwork should be carried forward. They will create their own vision, in their own style, mixed with their own materials. The show will be dynamic and diverse. Not so much a tribute as a nod to eternity.”
Participating artists were invited to incorporate fragments of Cavanaugh’s fabric installation into their own work, transform the material or simply draw inspiration from its colors, textures and spirit. The resulting collection is visually diverse but interconnected, with each artwork linked by a literal common thread to Cavanaugh.
The exhibition showcases the many ways artists inspire one another across generations and demonstrates how a single body of work can continue to evolve through collaboration and reinterpretation. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, August 9, 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., at the Ohio Craft Museum. Curator Char Norman will present a gallery talk at 3:00 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition will remain on view through Saturday, September 26.