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6:30 PM-9:30 PM
Exhibition Closing: Threads of Resilience
Exhibition|Closing Reception + Artist Talk + Free Art Activity
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Goethe-Institut LA Project Space, Los Angeles, CA
- Language English
- Price Free admission
Join us, the artists and members of the Neococo Collective, community members, partners, and friends on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 from 6:30-9:30 PM for the closing reception and Artist Talk for the multimedia exhibition Threads of Resilience. This evening also includes a free block priniting art activity before the Artist talk.
Curated by Amrita Thadani, founder of Neoco, Threads of Resilience is an exhibition that brings Neococo Collective’s mission to life through textile art. Featuring works created by immigrant and refugee women in the collective’s workforce development programs, the exhibit highlights how traditional craft can become a pathway to income, stability, and renewed identity. Each piece reflects not only skill and creativity, but the resilience of women navigating new beginnings. Through this exhibition, Neococo Collective invites the community to witness the connection between art and impact where every thread represents dignity, opportunity, and belonging.
Neococo Collective is a women-led, social enterprise creating equitable job opportunities for displaced, refugee, and immigrant women through the art of hand embroidery and handicrafts. Rooted in community, our work connects women’s talents with meaningful, dignified employment, restoring confidence, identity, and belonging through creativity.
Admission is free w/ RSVP.
All ages are welcome.
Light refreshments provided
PROGRAM:
6:30 PM Doors open + Drop-in block printing art activity.
8:00 PM Welcoming + Introduction
8:15 PM Artist Talk
9:30 PM End of Event
ARTIST TALK PANELISTS:
Moderated by Melissa Chataigne - Melissa Chataigne is a leading TV Host & Style Expert who inspires women to elevate their confidence from within and step out into the world and be seen. Beyond style, Melissa has built her platform on authentic conversations about grief, mental wellness and embracing life’s biggest transitions with resilience making her a sought after speaker as she leads retreats all over the world.
Jorge Abadin | Community Relations & Operations Manager
Jorge Abadin currently serves as the Community Relations and Operations Manager at the International Rescue Committee in Los Angeles. In this role, he manages office communication and outreach efforts, in-kind donation efforts and management, oversees all day-to-day office functioning, and supply chain and inventory management across all programs. He has been with IRC-LA for four years. His daily goal is to find different ways to lighten the work of program staff and case workers through external relations and supply chain initiatives.
Luke Van Lant | Economic Empowerment Supervisor
A graduate of USC, Luke is currently pursuing a doctorate of psychology at Azusa Pacific University. He is born and raised in Long Beach, California, and currently works at the International Rescue Committee, where he leads economic empowerment and youth programs for refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, and other immigrants. Since 2019, Luke has served more than 700 adult and youth clients in thousands of hours of 1:1 financial coaching and counseling. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Amrita Thadani | Executive Director - Neococo Collective
After more than a decade in textile design and workforce development in India, Amrita Thadani moved to New York to study Fashion at Parsons, The New School. As an immigrant, she experienced the challenges of entering the workforce and found purpose volunteering with local refugee organizations, where she witnessed the barriers displaced and immigrant women face in rebuilding their lives. Inspired by their resilience, she founded Neococo Collective in the 2024 to create paid employment and entrepreneurship opportunities that empower women through textile arts and economic independence.
Zarlasht Sakhi | Artist - Neococo Collective
After supporting the United States' mission in Afghanistan, Zarlasht became a target of the Taliban and was forced to flee Kabul. Despite facing violence and danger while pregnant, she was evacuated on one of the last flights out with the help of her family and a U.S. Marine. Today, Zarlasht is a single mother in Los Angeles, rebuilding her life and creating a brighter future for herself and her 2 kids.
Maret Nazari | Artist - Neococo Collective
THREADS OF RESILIENCE is on view at the Goethe-Institut from JUNE 3rd - July 15th, 2026
During Office Hours: JUNE 3rd - July 15th, 2026
Tuesday–Thursdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fridays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Secure, free Parking is available at Metro/Retail parking structure with rear entrance to the Goethe-Institut located at
674 S. Westlake Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90057
Public transport is possible with the red line to MacArthur Park/Westlake stop. Using carpool or ride-share options are appreciated.
THREADS OF RESILIENCE is part of the Goethe-Institut's Neighborhood Interpretive Center project, a hyperlocal initiative of cultural programs that focus on and uplift the MacArthur Park/Westlake neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Curated by Amrita Thadani, founder of Neoco, Threads of Resilience is an exhibition that brings Neococo Collective’s mission to life through textile art. Featuring works created by immigrant and refugee women in the collective’s workforce development programs, the exhibit highlights how traditional craft can become a pathway to income, stability, and renewed identity. Each piece reflects not only skill and creativity, but the resilience of women navigating new beginnings. Through this exhibition, Neococo Collective invites the community to witness the connection between art and impact where every thread represents dignity, opportunity, and belonging.
Neococo Collective is a women-led, social enterprise creating equitable job opportunities for displaced, refugee, and immigrant women through the art of hand embroidery and handicrafts. Rooted in community, our work connects women’s talents with meaningful, dignified employment, restoring confidence, identity, and belonging through creativity.
Admission is free w/ RSVP.
All ages are welcome.
Light refreshments provided
PROGRAM:
6:30 PM Doors open + Drop-in block printing art activity.
8:00 PM Welcoming + Introduction
8:15 PM Artist Talk
9:30 PM End of Event
ARTIST TALK PANELISTS:
Moderated by Melissa Chataigne - Melissa Chataigne is a leading TV Host & Style Expert who inspires women to elevate their confidence from within and step out into the world and be seen. Beyond style, Melissa has built her platform on authentic conversations about grief, mental wellness and embracing life’s biggest transitions with resilience making her a sought after speaker as she leads retreats all over the world.
Jorge Abadin | Community Relations & Operations Manager
Jorge Abadin currently serves as the Community Relations and Operations Manager at the International Rescue Committee in Los Angeles. In this role, he manages office communication and outreach efforts, in-kind donation efforts and management, oversees all day-to-day office functioning, and supply chain and inventory management across all programs. He has been with IRC-LA for four years. His daily goal is to find different ways to lighten the work of program staff and case workers through external relations and supply chain initiatives.
Luke Van Lant | Economic Empowerment Supervisor
A graduate of USC, Luke is currently pursuing a doctorate of psychology at Azusa Pacific University. He is born and raised in Long Beach, California, and currently works at the International Rescue Committee, where he leads economic empowerment and youth programs for refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors, and other immigrants. Since 2019, Luke has served more than 700 adult and youth clients in thousands of hours of 1:1 financial coaching and counseling. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Amrita Thadani | Executive Director - Neococo Collective
After more than a decade in textile design and workforce development in India, Amrita Thadani moved to New York to study Fashion at Parsons, The New School. As an immigrant, she experienced the challenges of entering the workforce and found purpose volunteering with local refugee organizations, where she witnessed the barriers displaced and immigrant women face in rebuilding their lives. Inspired by their resilience, she founded Neococo Collective in the 2024 to create paid employment and entrepreneurship opportunities that empower women through textile arts and economic independence.
Zarlasht Sakhi | Artist - Neococo Collective
After supporting the United States' mission in Afghanistan, Zarlasht became a target of the Taliban and was forced to flee Kabul. Despite facing violence and danger while pregnant, she was evacuated on one of the last flights out with the help of her family and a U.S. Marine. Today, Zarlasht is a single mother in Los Angeles, rebuilding her life and creating a brighter future for herself and her 2 kids.
Maret Nazari | Artist - Neococo Collective
THREADS OF RESILIENCE is on view at the Goethe-Institut from JUNE 3rd - July 15th, 2026
During Office Hours: JUNE 3rd - July 15th, 2026
Tuesday–Thursdays: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Fridays: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Secure, free Parking is available at Metro/Retail parking structure with rear entrance to the Goethe-Institut located at
674 S. Westlake Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90057
Public transport is possible with the red line to MacArthur Park/Westlake stop. Using carpool or ride-share options are appreciated.
THREADS OF RESILIENCE is part of the Goethe-Institut's Neighborhood Interpretive Center project, a hyperlocal initiative of cultural programs that focus on and uplift the MacArthur Park/Westlake neighborhood and surrounding areas.
Location
Goethe-Institut LA Project Space
1901 W. 7th St. Suite AB
Los Angeles, CA 90057
USA
1901 W. 7th St. Suite AB
Los Angeles, CA 90057
USA