As part of the residency, Rhea visited Pipili to engage with senior artisans Sujit Mahapatra and Jumna Khan. The meeting centered around conversations on the upcoming event, its purpose, and the venue that would bring artisans and the community together.

The discussion was more than logistics, it was about shaping an event that reflects the spirit of Pipili’s appliqué tradition and highlights the voices of those who carry it forward. By involving artisans directly in the planning, the residency aims to ensure that the gathering becomes a celebration of collaboration, craft, and community.