WEAVING CLOUDS: TEXTILES OF CENTRAL ASIA

February 10, 2026 - April 24, 2026

As the inaugural exhibition in the new gallery space at 131 W Grace Street, the Madison Art Collection presents Weaving Clouds: Textiles of Central Asia. This student-curated and designed exhibition offers a dazzling exploration of the world of ikat weaving that blossomed along the Silk Road. Visitors will discover the ancient roots of the kaftan and how Uzbek, Tajik, Kazakh, and Jewish artisans crafted garments to blend fashion, function, and beauty. Through their patterns, dyes, and threads, these textiles tell stories of collective identity, craftsmanship, and resilience as well as the enduring exchange of material cultures across the globe. Weaving Clouds not only showcases the rich, vibrant heritage of Central Asian art, but also celebrates textiles as living connections to the past, weaving together cultural narratives that continue to shape identities and inspire global fashion today. You can explore the exhibition here.

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ARTIST REVOLUTIONS

February 10, 2026 - March 20, 2026

On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we will showcase works from the Madison Art Collection to highlight political themes integral to our national identity. Included in our collection’s exhibition will be works by celebrated modern artist Robert Rauschenberg as part of an ongoing celebration of the 100th anniversary of the artist’s birth. We are also very excited to include a contribution on loan from Americans Who Tell the Truth. 
 
Sharing the spotlight will be other notable works by artists such as Marc Chagall, Roy Lichtenstein, Ralph Goings, and Ben Shahn, among others. Their works demonstrate ideas of civil liberties, artist rights, the propagandization of art. These and other artists throughout history have used their work as political tools, whether intended by the artist, or understood by the viewer. Through viewing Artist Revolutions, we hope that visitors will understand the overlap between the arts, civic engagement, and visual propaganda. You can explore the exhibition here.

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Madison Art Collection
131 W. Grace Street
MSC 4204
131 West Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807