The Peabody Award-winning CRAFT IN AMERICA series promotes and explores America's rich craft tradition. Episode Eight, Threads, looks at ways in which the needle arts have developed. Through filmed visits to four nationally acclaimed artists working at the forefront of their media, Threads documents how the needle arts continue to evolve and influence contemporary culture. 1) Faith Ringgold, internationally celebrated artist, teacher and author, creates painted story quilts to bring the proud history of African Americans and Harlem to a new generation. 2) Randall Darwall is a colorist in warp and weft. His woven cloth is the palette which he and his partner Brian Murphy transform into woven garments and quilts that inspire and adorn. 3) Consuelo Jimenez Underwood incorporates weaving, sewing, painting and applique to produce a proud political statement, presenting her indigenous heritage and questioning the borders that divide nations. 4) Terese Agnew creates densely embroidered quilts by a process she calls drawing with thread. Her themes are environmental and social, going beyond pure technique to tell truths that awaken our sensibilities.

Available June 2012.