Calendar Pick: ‘Surface Tension’ Opening Reception
Flagpole: The Color Bearer of Athens, Georgia
By Mary Beth Bryan
April 1, 2026
As part of Craft in America’s nationwide initiative to honor the handmade, Lyndon House Arts Center has curated “Surface Tension,” featuring works that navigate the human body by Erika Diamond and Chelsea Lillo. Diamond is a textile artist, curator and educator who created a series of safety vests collectively called “Imminent Peril – Queer Collection” in response to the 2016 mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, FL. The vests are made from Kevlar and tailored to reflect the personalities and styles of specific members of the queer community, exploring who is valued in American society and who holds the privilege of being both seen and protected. Diamond explores ideas of vulnerability and self preservation in their other series on display called “Eggshell Miniquilts and Eggshell Garments.” Lillo, a psychology graduate, reflects the medical realm in her works. She sculpts ocular, facial and somatic prostheses, meticulously matching each clients’ skin tone, eye color and bone structure so that they can re-enter their communities with a sense of confidence and belonging.
WHAT: “Surface Tension” Opening Reception
WHEN: Thursday, Apr. 2, 5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Lyndon House Arts Center
HOW MUCH: FREE!