Stitchers

Regina Thek is an embroiderer on the Virginia tapestry panel. A resident of Williamsburg, Virginia, she has been stitching for 60 years. Regina learned the art of needlework from her mother, who learned from her mother before her. In turn, Regina has taught her daughters and granddaughters. She has also attended EGA classes, but her journey has been primarily self-taught. Prior to joining America's Tapestry, Regina practiced surface embroidery, stump work, and three-dimensional embroidery. She has entered her work in many competitions and has been awarded recognition more than ten times.

While working on the panel, Regina's favorite stitch is the outline, because it offers details and nuances to every work of art. As a re-enactor and dancer, she feels connected to the 18th century in Virginia, having participated at Public Times events and performed at the Governor's Palace. Regina joined the project because she thought it was a great way to celebrate the 250th anniversary and show through tapestry the accomplishments of our country. Since joining, she has learned about the strengths of Aberdeen and the men who worked in the mines, which she sees as the beginning of the melting pot of the United States, melding Welsh, enslaved, indentured, and convicts among others.