Assistant Director of Honors and Professor of Visual and Performing Arts Carole Loeffler recently showcased her work and expertise through three different projects and presentations. 

Loeffler presented “Stitching Change: Exploring the Power and Forms of Craftivism” on a panel focused on creative protest at the 2026 Shale Conference at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa. Craftivism–craft + activism–is the act of using traditional, domestic arts as a form of activism, protest, and social empowerment. Former Arcadia Professor Dr. Amy Widestrom, who now serves as executive director of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, invited Loeffler to speak.

“The projects I shared were examples of things made by folks that were started on a small scale with an impact on a one-to-one basis,” Loeffler said. “It empowers people. When so much of what we face today feels insurmountable, and we can feel hopeless, and things are out of control, it shows people that small acts of creativity can harness our voice, help create connections, and spark conversations that ignite a bigger change!”

The conference theme, “Our Work, Our Health: Building a Future Beyond Sacrifice,” featured researchers and professors discussing the impacts of oil and gas development on communities.

“Speaking to the attendees at this conference was the first time I had an audience that wasn’t primarily made up of artists and creatives,” said Loeffler. “The folks in the crowd were mostly activists and environmentalists. I love sharing craftivism and the work I do with broader crowds because I love sharing the impactful projects that are going on right now.”

Loeffler also has work being shown at The Art Trust at Meridian Bank in West Chester, Pa, until March 20. Her project “And So It Goes” was included in the exhibition “Catwalk.” This body of work is made up of 100 sculptural dresses that tell the stories of women who have shaped history.

“It is a focused project using vintage dresses that I’ve been working on for years,” she said. “I hope viewers are drawn to the familiarity of each dress, enamored with the construction and technique, and affected deeply by the content of each piece.”

Another project of Loeffler’s, “Granny Graffiti,” is currently featured in the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA) and will be on display until May 17. For years, she has used felt to craft positive phrases onto handmade doilies and staple them to telephone poles around Philadelphia. The project has since grown beyond its local beginnings.

“This isn’t the first time my work has had an international audience or been in conversation with work from artists across the globe,” she said. “It is a continued conversation I am happy to be a part of.”

Loeffler will also host a lecture with MODA on April 2 and a workshop on April 4.

“The lecture will be about my creative journey and how this work fits into my overall mission as an artist,” she explained. “I hope to also touch on a few aspects of craftivism and creative protest. I will also be conducting a workshop where folks will learn to make their own!”