Opening Reception: Pulled Threads

Sitar Arts Center's Cafritz Gallery is proud to present a solo exhibition by Natalie Jenkins "Pulled Threads" is a solo-artist exhibition featuring paintings and soft sculptures that explore themes of belonging, memory, and gender identity. This body of work examines how memories influence ideas of home and of self by translating family photos and past experiences into hyper-saturated, abstracted, borderline-comedic paintings. Accompanying these paintings are larger-than-life soft sculptures that are reminiscent of everyday objects, which add to the visual comedy while also lending a sort of melancholy to the conversation. By using unexpected choices in color palettes, materials, and sizes, Jenkins asks the audience to consider their own points of view within the exhibit and the world. Be among the first to experience this inspiring collection! Enjoy an evening of creativity, conversation, and connection. "Pulled Threads" will be on display September 28 - October 31, 2026. Sitar Arts Center's Cafritz Gallery is located at 1700 Kalorama Road NW, Suite 101, Washington, D.C., and is open Monday through Thursday, from 1 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. – noon. "Homemaker" by Natalie Jenkins ABOUT NATALIE JENKINS Natalie Jenkins (b. 2000) is an interdisciplinary artist based in Baltimore City, MD. Her work explores themes of memory, home, and gender identity through painting and soft-sculpture. Her soft-sculptures are larger-than-life, playful, and reminiscent of everyday objects. These toy-like sculptures embody her memories and lived experiences. Jenkins’ narrative paintings are informed by past feelings and experiences, often appropriating family photographs into a stylized and hyper-saturated dreamscape. Natalie attended the Mount Royal School of Art where she received her MFA in Interdisciplinary Art from Maryland Institute College of Art in 2025. She received her BFA in Painting and Drawing from California State University, Chico in 2022. Jenkins has exhibited in a variety of group shows at the Museum of Northern California Art, Maryland Art Place, Sitar Arts Center in DC, Every Woman Biennial 2026 in New York City, and GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, PA. ABOUT SITAR ARTS CENTER Founded in 2000, Sitar Arts Center advances equitable access to high quality education and workforce development in the visual, performing, and digital arts. Sitar Arts Center engages DC youth, from early childhood to young adulthood, in building a creative community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training. Sitar envisions a city in which all young people experience transformative moments through quality, accessible arts education, and career training, and are supported on their path to discover their creativity and achieve their full potential. For more information, visit www.sitarartscenter.org.