Weaving Clouds: Central Asian Textiles at the Madison Art Collection’s New Arts Space

The Madison Art Collection (MAC) at James Madison University (JMU) announces Weaving Clouds, a new exhibition highlighting Central Asian textiles and the collaborative, student-centered spirit that defines the collection’s work, opening February 6, 2026. This is the first exhibition at MAC’s new interdisciplinary arts space shared with the Office of Creative Propulsion, ArtWorks, and New Image Gallery, located at 131 W. Grace Street in downtown Harrisonburg.

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.

"This exhibition is important on many fronts. Not only does it showcase a recent gift of textiles from collector Jeffrey Krauss, but it is our inaugural exhibition at our new interdisciplinary arts space at 131 W. Grace St. These textiles from Central Asia are not only technically fascinating, but aesthetically compelling; we hope to introduce visitors to a new world of art and cultural heritage,” stated Ginny Soenksen, director of the MAC.

Weaving Clouds is also a testament to hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration at JMU. Students from across the College of Visual and Performing Arts and the College of Arts and Letters played central roles in shaping the exhibition, from research and interpretation to spatial design and visual identity. Anna Keath Smith (‘25), art history major and studio art minor, has worked on the exhibition since spring 2023, first as an intern and later as a student assistant at the MAC.

“We’ve been getting ready for this show for a long time, and it’s been amazing to see how many students from different majors have jumped in with their own skills,” Smith said. “Architectural Design students figured out the whole exhibition layout, Art History students did tons of research and wrote the labels, and the Industrial and Graphic Design students and Theatre majors created the visual identity and the merchandise. Working on Weaving Clouds really showed me how much work goes into putting an exhibition together, from the deep research to how visitors will experience the space. It pulled together so much of what I’ve learned in my classes and turned it into something public-facing, something people across campus and the community will get to see,” said Smith.

By situating rare and compelling works within a collaboratively designed exhibition, Weaving Clouds reflects the MAC's mission to connect teaching, learning, and public engagement through art. The exhibition is open to students, faculty, and the community through April 24, 2026.

For hours and additional information, visit jmu.edu/madisonart.