Events › Meet the Maker-in-Residence at HWLC, Emma AKA StitchGawd

The Spring 2026 Maker-in-Residence, Emma McKee, AKA the “StitchGawd” is a Chicago based cross stitcher and fiber artist whose work uses traditional heritage methods to focus and highlight contemporary cultural commentary, the visual zeitgeist and social history.

She is known for her one of a kind stitched pieces for athletes and artists including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Chief Keef, Saba, Smino; Candace Parker, Zach Lavine, Allen Iverson, and Brittney Griner.

Stop by HWLC Floor 3 to meet Emma and learn how cross-stitch can be used to create incredible art and fashion.

The Maker-in-Residence program is funded by Exelon, Peoples Gas, and other generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation.

Photo provided by Emma, Maker-in-Residence