The Scribe - Page 7

PARTNER STORY Textile Translation in Practice Johnson refers to her process as “textile translation,” a method that adapts photographic imagery into fabric-based design. The work reflects a long-standing interest in fashion and material form, allowing photographs to interact with texture and scale in ways that differ from print. Rather than reproducing images as decoration, the textiles function as objects meant to be worn, handled, or incorporated into lived spaces. Her guiding perspective is captured in her statement, “Leave no door closed that leads you to success, just make sure you read the sign before you enter.” Within Photography Beyond the Walls, this idea appears through careful decisions about material, pattern, and use. The textiles extend the narrative potential of photography while remaining grounded in practical application, emphasizing process and intention over spectacle. Legacy, Community, and Exhibition Context Photography Beyond the Walls is closely connected to Johnson’s work with the Oweda Fernandes Fabric Collection (OFFC), a project developed through the legacy of her grandmother, Oweda. The collection is described as more than an aesthetic shift, positioning the work as a continuation of family history through contemporary textile practice. The exhibition is hosted at The Portal at Toledo School for the Arts, a community-facing hub for artistic development and entrepreneurship. The Portal presents exhibitions and creative services while showcasing work by TSA students and local artists in a public setting. The exhibition runs from February 6th through February 27th, 2026, with a public gallery reception scheduled for February 20th, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM. It is hosted at The Portal at Toledo School for the Arts, located at 1401 Adams Street in Toledo, Ohio. Admission to the Martin D. Porter Gallery is free and open to the public. By Dylan Sarieh