Rug and Textile Appreciation Morning: Threads of Time: A Cultural Journey

Dan and Dara Brewster, joined by co-editor Lyssa Stapleton, will discuss their new publication, Threads of Time: A Cultural Journey (Hali Publications, 2025), which is inspired by the Brewsters’ global textile collection. The book project amplifies the voices of textile artisans by sharing authentic cultural stories directly from makers.

For over four decades, Dan and Dara Brewster traveled internationally, guided by a sustained commitment to learning directly from artisans who are working to preserve their weaving and craft heritage. Covering handmade traditions ranging from the intricate double ikat of Indonesia to the bold geometric compositions of Diné (Navajo) weaving, Threads of Time demonstrates the centrality of textile production as a medium through which communities articulate identity, environment and social relationships.  

About Dan and Dara Brewster

Dan and Dara Brewster are media executives and entrepreneurs with vast experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. Dan Brewster started his career as a journalist covering the U.S. government and overseas assignments before becoming CEO of large publishing companies. He was awarded the American Jewish Committee National Human Relations Award in 2002. Dara Brewster held senior roles in marketing and business development at several AOL Time Warner properties. In 2013, the Brewsters co-founded DARA Artisans, an e-commerce site offering exquisitely crafted, artisan-made items with the intent to create a marketplace supporting economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.   

About Lyssa Stapleton

Lyssa Stapleton, Ph.D., is director of the Waystation Initiative at the UCLA Cotsen Institute of Archaeology. She is interested in the evolution of museum collections stewardship in the 21st century, decolonization and repatriation, and social justice via the protection and recognition of cultural heritage. Trained as an archaeologist and curator, Dr. Stapleton has conducted fieldwork in Armenia, Albania, Hungary and the United States.   

How to Participate

This program is free and will take place online. To participate, please register in advance to reserve your space. Once you have registered, we will email you a link and details for joining on Zoom. Simply follow that link at the time the program starts (11 a.m. EDT / 8 a.m. PDT). When you register, you can also request to receive a reminder email one day before the program with the link included.  

About Rug and Textile Appreciation Mornings

Collectors and experts discuss textile topics and display examples from their personal holdings. This series is named in honor of late Textile Museum trustee emeritus, Harold M. Keshishian. Browse upcoming programs