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Past Exhibitions

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FOLD: Artists’ Accordion Books

Curiosity about a familiar form taking a new shape.

March 01, 2018 – June 03, 2018

This exhibition highlights a selection of accordion-fold books from the extensive collection of artists’ publications owned by Dr. Stephen Perkins of Madison. The exhibition features renowned artists such as Jennifer Bartlett, Ginger Burrel

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Exhibition Events

9 May

FOLD: Artists' Accordion Books - Curatorial Walk Through

May 09, 2018 | 1:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibition by a member of our curatorial staff.

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Look Here!

June 28, 2018 – September 16, 2018

“Look Here!” is a collaboration between the UWM Libraries and artists from RedLine Milwaukee and the UWM Peck School of the Arts.

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Exhibition Events

28 Jun

Look Here! Opening Reception

June 28, 2018 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Join Senior Curator Shana McCaw, Head, Digital Collections and Initiatives and DH Lab at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Ann Hanlon, Head of Special Collections, Max Yela, and participating artist Marc Tasman for the opening of Look Here!

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5 Jul

Walk and Talk Series

July 05, 2018 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Milwaukee Digital: Reinterpreting Local Spaces and Places Abigail Nye, head of UWM Archives, Ann Hanlon, head of UWM Libraries Digital Collections, and Look Here! artists Marc Tasman, Clayton Haggerty, and Jake Hill

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15 Jul

Family Program: Traditional Korean Drumming

July 15, 2018 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Learn about traditional Korean drumming from instructor Saehee Chang, who is featured in Look Here! artist Laj Waghray’s short film in the exhibition.

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1 Aug

“Look Here!” Walk & Talk Series

August 01, 2018 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

“Maps and Artifacts: Mining the Collections of the American Geographical Society Library.” Marcy Bidney, curator of the American Geographical Society Library, joins “Look Here!” artists Jill Sebastian, Nirmal Raja, Anja Notanja Sieger, and Madeline Martin.

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8 Aug

“Look Here!” Curatorial Walk-Through

August 08, 2018 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a guided tour of "Look Here!" by a member of our curatorial staff.

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8 Aug

“Look Here!” Walk & Talk Series

August 08, 2018 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

"The Contents of Books: Reprocessing Pattern and Image.” Max Yela, head of UWM Libraries Special Collections, joins “Look Here!” artists Laj Waghray, Melissa Wagner-Lawler, and Stephanie Copoulos-Selle.

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23 Aug

“Look Here!” Curatorial Walk-Through

August 23, 2018 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy a guided tour of "Look Here!" by a member of our curatorial staff.

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29 Aug

Film Screening: On Hands by Laj Waghray

August 29, 2018 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Join us for a viewing of Laj Waghray’s 75-minute film “On Hands,” made for the Look Here! Project, currently showing at Villa Terrace!

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5 Sep

“Look Here!” Curatorial Walk-Through

September 05, 2018 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Enjoy a guided tour of "Look Here!" by a member of our curatorial staff.

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9 Sep

Sopra Mare: A Performance by Rebecca Holderness and Andrew Miller

September 09, 2018 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

A live performative reading of a selection of fictional letters along with music from Holderness and Miller’s installation in Look Here!. The performance features Angela Ianonne and other well-known Milwaukee actors. Performance starts at 6:00 p.m.

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House of Risk

October 18, 2018 – January 27, 2019

An immersive installation that explores the textures, materials and histories of the Villa Terrace's unique rooms.

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Exhibition Events

18 Oct

House of Risk | Opening Party

October 18, 2018 | 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Opening party with House of Risk Artists Sylvie Rosenthal and Vanessa Diaz Artist talk from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

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25 Oct

House of Risk | Curatorial Walk Through

October 25, 2018 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Join a member of our curatorial team for a guided tour of our current exhibition House of Risk.

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7 Nov

House of Risk | Curatorial Walk Through

November 07, 2018 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join a member of our curatorial team for a guided tour of our current exhibition House of Risk.

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5 Dec

House of Risk | Curatorial Walk Through

December 05, 2018 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Join a member of our curatorial team for a guided tour of our current exhibition House of Risk.

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28 Dec

Kid's Workshop: Giant Charms

December 28, 2018 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Create a giant charm necklace as a talisman of your hopes and dreams for the future with exhibiting artist Sylvie Rosenthal.

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28 Dec

House of Risk | Children’s Workshop

December 28, 2018 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Creating giant charm necklaces as talismans of our hopes and dreams for the future! Open to children 6 to 12 with their parents as “studio assistants.”

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9 Jan

Curatorial Walk Through - House of Risk

January 09, 2019 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Tour our current exhibition House of Risk with a member of our curatorial team.

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20 Jan

Sound of Risk - Reimagining Sound and Structure at the Villa Terrace

January 20, 2019 | 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sound installation and live performance by musicians David Collins and Andy Miller.

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Play (things)

October 18, 2018 – January 27, 2019

Play (things) is an exhibition in conjunction with the Collegiate Schools of Architecture conference held in Milwaukee this fall. Running concurrently with the museum's exhibition House of Risk.

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Exhibition Events

18 Oct

Play (things) | Opening Party

October 18, 2018 | 4:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Opening party in conjunction with the museum's exhibition House of Risk, featuring artists Sylvie Rosenthal and Vanessa Diaz House of Risk artist talk from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

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Moving Images

British Royal Portraiture and the Circulation of Ideas

February 28, 2019 – June 02, 2019

Depicting the British royal family from the Victorian Age to the present, the ceremonial and family photographic portraits presented in Moving Images show how images can both reflect and energize major cultural shifts.

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Exhibition Events

28 Feb

Moving Pictures: Royal Portraiture and the Circulation of Ideas | Opening Talk

February 28, 2019 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Exhibition opening night talk with collector Jodi Eastberg and curator Lynne Harper.

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4 Apr

Photography Lessons: A Talk with Dr. Sarah Anne Carter - RESCHEDULED - TBA

April 04, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

A talk about the history of photography as it relates to object lessons.

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10 Apr

Building a Collection: A Talk With John Eastberg

April 10, 2019 | 6:30 p.m.

John's talk focuses on the process of building a collection.

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8 May

Curatorial Walk Through - Moving Images

May 08, 2019 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Walk through the exhibition with a curator!

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11 May

High Tea on the Terrace: A Royal Affair

May 11, 2019 | 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Featuring live music, assorted teas, tea sandwiches and scones, with a special Mother's Day tour of our current exhibition "Moving Images: Royal Portraiture and the Circulation of Ideas," with curator Lynne Harper.

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David R. Harper

A Mouth-Shaped Room

June 27, 2019 – September 15, 2019

Harper references the museum’s history as a decorative arts museum by using images and objects that fit within a decorative art genre, but composes them in imaginative ways to suggest that these categories are permeable and changing.

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Exhibition Events

11 Jul

David R. Harper: A Mouth-Shaped Room Opening Reception and Catalogue Release

July 11, 2019 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Artist talk with David R. Harper at 7:00 p.m.

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27 Aug

A Mouth-Shaped Room in Sense and Sound with Present Music

August 27, 2019 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Present Music Ensemble flutist, Jennifer Clippert moves throughout multiple galleries, creating a unique atmosphere within each space that includes studies of bird sounds combined with Aboriginal voices.

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Jeffrey Clancy: Measured Misalignments

October 17, 2019 – January 26, 2020

UW-Madison professor of Art in Metalsmithing and Jewelry, Jeffrey Clancy, examines the Villa Terrace – both objectively and anecdotally – by re-telling its stories in a way that combines facts with the artist’s idiosyncratic observations and imagined like

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Exhibition Events

10 Nov

Hyperlocal MKE: Meaning/Reframe

November 10, 2019 | 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Hyperlocal MKE is Milwaukee’s incubator for improvisation and interdisciplinary performance. Here they perform Meaning/Reframe in connection with our current exhibition "Measured Misalignments".

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25 Jan

Measured Misalignments Dinner with In-Season Pop-Up Restaurant

January 25, 2020 | 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

In this first-of-its-kind event, the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum with In-Season Pop-Up Restaurant present a prix fixe tasting menu to mark the closing of Jeffrey Clancy's Measured Misalignments exhibition. Limited Seating - Reservations accepted through Tuesday, January 21.

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Ariana Huggett

House Tableau

October 17, 2019 – January 26, 2020

Our 2018/19 artist-in-residence, Ariana Huggett, will conclude her residency with House Tableau, an exhibit of a series of paintings depicting carefully composed views of the historic rooms at both the Charles Allis and Villa Terrace.

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Exhibition Events

14 Dec

House Tableau: Drop-In Sketch Day

December 14, 2019 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Drop in for a free sketch day hosted by exhibiting artist Ariana Huggett.

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20 Jan

House Tableau: Drop-In Sketch Day

January 20, 2020 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Drop in for a free sketch day hosted by exhibiting artist Ariana Huggett.

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Art in the Garden

November 16, 2019 – November 28, 2019

The culmination of the museum's Art in the Garden program includes the exhibition of student artwork inspired by their visit to the Villa Terrace.

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The Trajectory Series

February 27, 2020 – January 24, 2021

The Trajectory Series is an exhibition and series of accompanying programs comprising a collection of experiences that examine how creative behaviors advance cultures and technologies.

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Exhibition Events

18 Apr

The Trajectory Series: Gallery Day Walk-Through - Cancelled

April 18, 2020 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Walk through the exhibition with the curator and exhibiting artists.

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1 Oct

Portia Cobb: Story as Technology

October 01, 2020 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a fun and intriguing look inside Portia Cobb's work featuring Cobb and curator Christopher Willey.

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8 Oct

Portia Cobb: Story as Technology Live Discussion

October 08, 2020 – October 01, 2020 | 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Live group discussion with Portia Cobb about her work and conversation with Christopher Willey about story as technology.

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20 Dec

Virtual Intro To Weaving Workshop

December 20, 2020 | 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Virtual Intro To Weaving Workshop Hosted by Marianne Fairbanks

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Villa Incognito: Latent Narratives in the Permanent Collection

March 31, 2021 – March 06, 2022

This exhibition examines the mansion and a group of objects from the Villa Terrace collection, showing how various forms of imitation, synthesis, and symbolism are at work, and how these strategies work to create an idealized environment.

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In the Park with Olmsted: A Vision for Milwaukee

April 14, 2022 – September 25, 2022

Presented by the Friends of Villa Terrace and guest curated by Annemarie Sawkins and Martha Chaiklin, this exhibition will profile the significant contribution Frederick Law Olmsted made toward inclusive, accessible parks systems across the United States.

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Exhibition Events

14 Apr

Opening Reception for In the Parks with Olmsted: A Vision for Milwaukee

April 14, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Join us in celebrating the opening of In the Parks with Olmsted: A Vision for Milwaukee, an exhibition presented by the Friends of the Villa Terrace.

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20 Apr

Virginia Small: Olmsted's Enduring Green Legacies in Milwaukee

April 20, 2022 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Frederick Law Olmsted contributed far more to greater Milwaukee than the design of three parks and a green boulevard linking two of them.

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26 Apr

Frederick Law Olmsted and “Parks for All”: Democracy, Equity, and Environmental Justice Panel Discussion

April 26, 2022 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

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7 May

Frederick Law Olmsted: Bringing Nature into the City and Creating Breathing Space for Democracy

May 07, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Event location: Diercks Hall, MSOE

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11 May

Milwaukee Parks Foundation: Mission and Vision

May 11, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Newly Formed Milwaukee Parks Foundation Shares Their Mission & Vision.

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18 May

Milwaukee County Parks - Challenges and A Path Forward

May 18, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

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15 Jun

A Virtual Presentation & Conversation with the Author: Hugh Howard

June 15, 2022 | 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

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Grounded

October 27, 2022 – March 05, 2023

The Villa Terrace welcomes the works of three rising, Midwest artists Oct. 27 for its exhibition "Grounded" which runs through March. A contemporary sculpture exhibition, "Grounded" explores lived narratives of identity and relationships with space and so

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Exhibition Events

27 Oct

Exclusive Member Preview: Grounded

October 27, 2022 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Museum members are invited to the members-only preview of "Grounded" Oct. 27. Explore the stories found in this contemporary exhibition before anyone else on opening night. Doors open at 5 p.m.

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27 Oct

Grounded Opening Night

October 27, 2022 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

You're invited to the opening of our new contemporary sculpture exhibition: "Grounded." Join us Oct. 27 for a night of live music, food and art at the Villa Terrace. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is free.

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Mestiere Biennale 2023

Contemporary Craft in Greater Milwaukee

April 06, 2023 – August 13, 2023

Celebrate the legacy of craft and decorative arts in Wisconsin and explore works that push the boundaries of the material in "Mestiere Biennale," our inaugural juried exhibition of contemporary craft and decorative art in Greater Milwaukee.

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Exhibition Events

6 Apr

Mestiere Biennale Member Preview

April 06, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Members get an exclusive hour to preview our inaugural "Mestiere Biennale" ahead of the public reception. Beat the crowd. Become a member.

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6 Apr

Mestiere Biennale Opening Reception

April 06, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Join us for opening reception of our inaugural "Mestiere Biennale," highlighting contemporary craft in Greater Milwaukee. It's free.

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13 Jul

Mestiere Biennale Artist Panel

July 13, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Join us for a discussion of the state of craft in Greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin with the artists of "Mestiere" July 13.

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A Different Kind of Garden

June 08, 2023 – September 24, 2023

Villa Artist in Residence Cat Gilbert presents evocative studies of the art, flora and architecture of the Villa Terrace.

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Exhibition Events

8 Jun

"A Different Kind of Garden" Free Opening Reception

June 08, 2023 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Join us for a free reception to celebrate the opening of "A Different Kind of Garden" by Villa Artist in Residence Cat Gilbert.

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9 Jul

Cyanotype Workshop with Villa Artist Cat Gilbert

July 09, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Make cyanotype prints with Villa Artist in Residence Cat Gilbert!

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30 Jul

Hammered Flower Art Workshop with Villa Artist Cat Gilbert

July 30, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Learn and create hammered flower art with Villa Artist in Residence Cat Gilbert!

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6 Aug

Plein Air Painting with Villa Artist Cat Gilbert

August 06, 2023 – July 06, 2023 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Paint in the garden with Villa Artist in Residence Cat Gilbert!

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Supernova

Hope Wang + Keith Kaziak

September 14, 2023 – March 10, 2024

Featuring works by Midwest artists Hope Wang and Keith Kaziak, "Supernova" locates playfulness and high drama in the face of urban collapse. Opens Sept. 14.

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Exhibition Events

14 Sep

RSVP - Free After Hours Tour of "Supernova"

September 14, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Enjoy art after hours with this free guided tour of "Supernova" on opening night! Must RSVP in advance.

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20 Oct

Supernova Artist Panel Discussion

October 20, 2023 | 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Meet “Supernova” exhibiting artists Hope Wang and Keith Kaziak this Friday at the Villa Terrace Art Museum and learn about their work in their own words.

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Tension

October 20, 2023 – December 24, 2023

"Tension" features new work by Milwaukee blacksmith Ryan Send. Emerging from the void, Send's steel "organisms" exaggerate the quirks of the space they are invading to create a sense of uncanniness.

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Exhibition Events

20 Oct

"Tension" Free Opening Night

October 20, 2023 | 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Experience Villa Artist-in-Residence Ryan Send's solo exhibition "Tension" for free on opening night as part of Gallery Night MKE.

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Upcoming Exhibitions

There are no upcoming exhibitions scheduled at this time.

Dyed Well

The feminist rug hooking practice of Emily Robertson

April 18, 2024 – October 13, 2024

"Dyed Well" is a survey exhibition highlighting the weaving and rug hooking practice of Wisconsin artist Emily ‘Emmy’ Robertson.

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