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ROUND TOP SPONSORED PARTNER INSIDE VIEW: Poetry in Stillness Upcycled Atelier brings the soul of Southern Asia to Round Top. T he colorful world of Upcycled Atelier is a reflection of curator/owner Christine Glenn's predilection for poetry and storytelling. "When I see a remarkable piece of block print or Sujani embroidery, I imagine its future state as a gorgeous cushion atop a treasured family heirloom, or a signature piece in a first home — one they imagine passing down to their children," she says. Glenn makes the pilgrimage to India twice a year to source unique block prints and vintage and antique Sujani embroidery and saris, all of which are given new life as bed and table linens, art, clothing, upholstery, and more. Her visits to western Rajasthan, Jodhpur, and the villages of the Thar Desert near the border of Pakistan yield extraordinary textiles steeped with ancient history. "The word Thar derives from the word Thul, which means sand," she says. "And I believe that you can see the undulation of the sand ridges in the textiles that have been intrinsic to the cultural heritage of the Thar since the eighth century. Glenn and her team of artisans weave both the found and newly created textiles into poetic pieces for their clients, all from a humble shed turned studio in the Texas Hill Country. "The name Upcycled Atelier is an homage to that reimagined shed that gave this inspiring work a beautiful new home and life." she says. "Time and time again, clients enter my studio or encounter one of our pieces and find themselves imagining and harkening back. The pieces in the collection provoke a sense of wonder and nostalgia simultaneously — and isn't that precisely what a poem does?" This fall, Glenn debuts the Upcycled Atelier collection at The Halles. The collection includes the introduction of new wall art made from sections of vintage hand-sewn appliqué derived from traditional tents used by the nomadic peoples of the Indian desert. The textiles have been floated inside mid-century- style frames designed and handcrafted through a collaboration with furniture design firm Karle. "The appliqué pieces once flapping in desert wind gain stillness floating within the Karle mid-century frames," says Glenn. "And a new combined life and story begins." In addition to art and upholstery, Upcycled Atelier brings an assortment of robes, kaftans, tablecloths, bed covers, blankets, pillows, and dinner napkins created with handmade block-printed textiles. The new 100-percent cotton fabrics are printed with all-natural dyes such as indigo, medder plant, alum root, turmeric, iron, and pomegranate. Find Upcycled Atelier at The Halles in Building 4, October 12 – 26, 2024. Inquiries christine@upcycledatelier.com, 512.626.8078, @upcycledatelier, upcycledatelier.com. 72