Artist Gio Swaby uses age old materials to bring new life to portraiture. With thread and fabric, she sews, stitches and patterns empowered representations of the women and girls from her Bahamian community. Her solo show “Fresh Up” is on view at the Peabody Essex Museum until the end of November. Don’t miss your chance to see the work of this rising art world darling. Misstropolis talked with the artist about the importance of connection, her love for her home country and why she finds textile art enduringly exciting.