The San Bernardino County Museum

Their Faith Shall Be Known by the Work of their Hands

The San Bernardino County Museum will host a lecture and slide show about ecclesiastical embroidery with Joan Thomasson on Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. The free program, "Their Faith Shall Be Known by the Work of their Hands," is open to the public.

Throughout history, needlework has played a large role in beautifying places of worship. Thomasson will illustrate how contemporary ecclesiastical embroidery is as diverse as its designers, such as Erica Wilson, Beryl Dean, Connie Eggers, Davie Hyman, Wilke Smith, and Eugenia Thorp. Examples will range from works for huge gothic cathedrals to village chapels, and from the U.S. Air Force Academy to the royal flagship H.M.S. Ark Royal.

Thomasson is the owner of Stitchin' Stuff, Inc. and markets needlepoint canvases and kits worldwide. Her designs have been featured in Neiman Marcus' Horchow Collection, Better Homes and Gardens, Needlepoint Plus, and other publications. She has taught courses across the country. The program she will present at the museum was developed as part of her certification program for the National Academy of Needlework.

The lecture is sponsored by the San Bernardino Chapter, American Needlepoint Guild. The guild is part of the Western Textile Center Association, an affiliate of the San Bernardino County Museum.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Parking is free, and the facility is handicapped-accessible. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.