Tatreez Workshop with SAMARKAND سمرقند Patterns of Return

Thursday September 4th. 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Unassigned Gallery, Brunswick
All materials provided. Hosted by Made in Palestine and the Stitch Intifada.

Event Description:
SAMARKAND, Made in Palestine and The Stitch Intifada are proud to present a new series of community workshops dedicated to the rich heritage of Palestinian tatreez.

Over the past six months, participants have gathered to learn with Samar Abedrabo, a Bethlehem-based Palestinian artist, exploring the beauty and symbolism of this centuries-old practice.

This next chapter marks an exciting step forward. Across the coming months, workshops will not only continue to build technical skills and cultural understanding, but will also work collectively towards a group exhibition. Together, participants will deepen their knowledge of tatreez motifs, their roots in the natural environment and landscapes of Palestine, and the ways they carry memory, resilience, and identity through generations.

Guided by Samar, we will reflect on how tatreez functions as both a personal practice and a communal language—one that resists erasure, preserves history, and creates space for storytelling across borders. Each session will weave together hands-on embroidery, discussion, and shared experimentation, gradually building a body of work that will culminate in a collective display later this year.

This new series invites both returning participants and newcomers to join in. Whether you are completely new to embroidery or already familiar with the craft, you are welcome to become part of a growing community of stitchers who are carrying this tradition forward.

By joining, you contribute not only to your own creative practice but also to a shared exhibition that celebrates Palestinian heritage and solidarity. Together, thread by thread, we will create a living tapestry that embodies memory, belonging, and collective resistance.

Further Details:

All tatreez materials will be provided, and hands-on assistance will be available through the Made in Palestine and Stitch Intifada teams. Participants are also invited to bring along any fabrics, threads, or personal projects they would like to work on. You are encouraged to bring questions about particular motifs and patterns, as this will be a chance to learn directly from Samar and deepen your understanding of tatreez through conversation as well as practice.

About SAMARKAND

A cultural initiative dedicated to preserving traditional Palestinian embroidery. SAMARKAND offers beautifully embroidered T-shirts, Tatreez workshops, and research to protect this art form. SAMARKAND collaborates with both local and international artists on various projects, fostering a global appreciation and understanding of this rich cultural tradition.

Samar Abedrabo is a passionate advocate for human rights and cultural preservation, holding a BA in International Law and Human Rights from Bard College. Currently, she serves as a Coordinating and Administrative Assistant at Wonder Cabinet, a space for cultural and art production in Bethlehem. In addition, Samar works with Made in Palestine, a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing Palestinians with humanitarian and economic support. As the founder of SAMARKAND, a Tatreez initiative, she is dedicated to teaching and preserving the art of Palestinian embroidery, empowering beginners to connect with this rich cultural tradition.

Fundraising

All proceeds from this event will be directly donated to Made in Palestine's current humanitarian projects, supporting Palestinian Refugees in the West Bank.