Kayla Silvia-Winokurzew

Kayla Silvia-Winokurzew is a textile conservator based in Alexandria, VA, specializing in the care and preservation of historic garments, heirlooms, and museum collections.

Kayla holds an MPhil in Textile Conservation from the Centre of Textile Conservation at the University of Glasgow — one of the leading programs in the field — where she was awarded the Karen Finch Prize for excellence. She also holds a B.A. in Anthropology and a B.S. with a concentration in Art History, with minors in Chemistry and Apparel and Textiles, from SUNY Oneonta.

With over a decade of hands-on experience, Kayla has worked with private clients and major institutions alike, most recently at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Her work spans a wide range of textile types including historic costume, military uniforms, quilts, embroideries, upholstery, and ceremonial objects. She has also conducted specialized research into the adhesive treatment of coated textiles, with a focus on polyurethane and rubber-coated materials.

Selected Experience

• RB Textile Conservation LLC

• Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

• Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History

• Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture

• Smithsonian American Art Museum

• Knole Conservation Studio

• Museum Textile Services, LLC

• Bynon Art Services, LLC

• Nishio Conservation Studio, LLC

Kayla is a Professional Associate of the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) and is committed to ethical, reversible treatment methods that respect the integrity and history of each object.

A full CV is available upon request — please get in touch via the contact page.

When she's not in the studio, you'll find her biking, hiking, or settled in with a pot of tea and a good book.