Cami Smith
| Out & About

Out & About is our monthly blog series exploring the spaces where fiber art brings people together. From shared studios to neighborhood exhibits, we love seeing how creative communities take root and grow.

This month, we’re spotlighting Gravers Lane Gallery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With its unwavering commitment to contemporary craft, support for both emerging and established artists, and a vibrant lineup of artist talks and First Friday events, Gravers Lane Gallery isn’t just about curating exhibitions—it’s about cultivating community.

Lucy Arai; mixed-media sashiko (mulberry shoji paper, cotton, quarter-inch hardware mesh, 14K gold sumi ink, acrylic medium); 15 x 16 x 13 in.

A Gallery That Builds Bridges

When asked about meaningful moments, the gallery team shared a story from the opening of Echoes in Thread, a recent exhibition featuring textile work by Agathe Bouton. A longtime friend of the gallery—an unexpected collector and former investment banker—stood in front of Fragment I, visibly moved. The worn, layered textile echoed his own life story: loss, reinvention, and the stitching together of disparate parts. He didn’t just purchase the piece; he shared his story with the artist, creating a moment of profound connection. “This is why we do what we do,” said the staff at the gallery. “To facilitate moments of recognition—between artist and collector, artwork and memory, past and present.”

Agathe Bouton (R) and guest at First Friday Echoes in Thread opening reception

Polly Barton; 2018; white warp, quadruple sleyed, ikat dyed;
64.5 x 31.5 in.

First Fridays with Meaning

Launched in March 2024, the gallery’s Arts & Eats initiative, in partnership with other Chestnut Hill businesses, has revitalized community engagement around the arts. First Friday receptions are more than just opening receptions—they’re opportunities to connect. Attendees meet the artists, hear their stories, and engage in dialogue that often reshapes how the work is understood. Especially in a post-pandemic world, these gatherings restore something essential: in-person connection. Each event takes on its own character, and the gallery has started documenting them through videos and artist talks on their website, extending the experience beyond the gallery walls.

Polly Barton (L) and guest at First Friday Echoes in Thread opening reception. Background artwork L-R: Telios by Polly Barton, Seconde Peau XXXV by Agathe Bouton; cotton thread and pins; monoprints; 17 x 13 in. (framed)

Echoes in Thread

Their current exhibition brings together the work of Agathe Bouton, Lucy Arai, and Polly Barton—three artists who blend traditional techniques with contemporary storytelling. It’s a perfect reflection of the gallery’s vision: to honor the deep roots of the craft while pushing it forward. With up to seven exhibitions a year, Gravers Lane Gallery balances long-term relationships with artists alongside fresh pairings and emerging voices. Their commitment extends across all levels—fine craft, conceptual fiber, jewelry, and even functional gifts—ensuring accessibility without sacrificing excellence.

Jewelry artists and curators speaking at the Serious Fun + Fiber Reimagined II joint opening reception on a First Friday.

A Hub for Craft’s Future

As craft programs shrink and institutions close, Gravers Lane Gallery is stepping into a broader role—as a gathering place, educational space, and collaborator with groups like CraftNOW Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

In Fall 2025, the gallery will explore the intersections of basketry and fiber in a show featuring Lanny Bergner, Lisa Belsky, Barbara Straussberg, Deborah Muhl, and Barbara Lee Smith. Then, from November 28 to January 15, 2026, Designed to Dwell brings together sculptural furniture, imaginative lighting, and fiber works by Sasha Baskin, Tara Thacker, and others, where functional design meets fine art.

Whether you’re an artist, collector, or craft enthusiast, Gravers Lane Gallery invites you to step inside, stay awhile, and discover why craft still matters—perhaps more than ever.

Make sure to check out the Gravers Lane Gallery—

Website: www.graverslanegallery.com/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/graverslanegallery/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Graverslanegallery

Exhibitions: www.graverslanegallery.com/exhibitions

Virtual Tour: my.matterport.com/show/?m=ivgfYFLBUwA&ss=1&sr=-1.77,-1.24

For more about Polly Barton: www.pollybarton.com/

For more about Agathe Bouton: www.agathebouton.com/

For more about Lucy Arai: art.state.gov/personnel/lucy_arai/

Top image: Agathe Bouton; woven monoprints, silver leaf; 12 x 12 in.

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Cami Smith is the Fiber Art Now media manager, community engagement coordinator, and a mixed-media artist.