Artifacts: Storytelling Through Material Forms is a mixed media exhibition showcasing works by Shakeeka Brooks, Chris-Annia Dobson, and Michelle Wilkie which explore identity, heritage and culture through various mediums.
Shakeeka Brooks is a pine needle basket weaver and fiber artist based in Charlotte, NC. Her art portrays how pine needle basketry has evolved from a traditional and utilitarian craft into a fine art that incorporates sculptural techniques and intricate designs. Through her work, she aims to share a meaningful part of her African American heritage with the world.
Chris-Annia Dobson is a multidisciplinary artist and writer based in Raleigh. Dobson creates sculptural installations that explore memory, spirituality, and cultural identity through material form. She believes everyday objects, hair, paper, botanicals, and found materials, hold emotional and ancestral power. Dobson's current work continues her exploration of material storytelling in a series of shallow box assemblages. These pieces examine how Black identity is shaped and protected, while deepening her focus on ritual and gestures that preserve memory.
Michelle Wilkie is an artist who works predominantly in textiles. Her artistic practice revolves around modern quilting where she seamlessly blend traditional techniques with a contemporary twist, embracing both improvisation, minimalism and color. Each quilt becomes a canvas where emotions and connections intertwine, and a story is told. From Scraps to Soul embodies an exploration of renewal through the act of making, and through this collection, Wilkie hopes to inspire viewers to embrace the joy of making, and to recognize the soul in every fragment.
A free closing reception is planned for Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 2:30 - 4 p.m. in the Pullen Arts Center gallery. Check out the artwork, meet the artists, and enjoy an evening of community at Pullen Arts Center.
The exhibition is free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and weekends, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pullen Arts Center is operated by Raleigh Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources and is located at 105 Pullen Road in Raleigh. For more information about the exhibition, gallery hours, or directions, visit Artifacts: Storytelling Through Material Forms.
