Kaitlin Birlin

I am a textile and visual artist based in Quincy, Massachusetts. I specialize in tapestry-making, quilting, as well as oil painting. Originally born in Virginia I would later move to North Carolina and then Connecticut where my childhood was spent. I moved to Boston Massachusetts for college at the University of Massachusetts Boston and will be graduating in Spring 2025.

Soon to graduate with a bachelor's degree in art, I have refined my artistic practice both through my studies and work as a sewing instructor for children. I am currently a teacher's assistant at a local art studio where I help teach children a variety of art forms. My work includes oil paintings and quilted tapestries. The tapestries are crafted from up-cycled fabric, including old bedsheets and donated quilting fabric from women in my Quincy community. I hand-dye these fabrics to create the vibrant, expressive colors that define my work. Blending both abstract and figurative elements, my pieces convey deeply personal narratives while inviting open interpretation.

I am a member of the Quincy Art Association and exhibited in their Fall 2024 Small Works Show, as well as in a group exhibition at the Glass Gallery at UMass Boston. For me, art is not just a personal expression but also a way to build connections—whether through exhibitions, conversations, or the generosity of those who have contributed materials. The  different communities I surrounded myself with fuel my creativity, making each piece a reflection of both personal experiences and community.