INTERTWINED – REGIONAL TEXTILE TRADITIONS [On exhibit until July 7, 2019] — This exhibition, organized by the William King Museum of Art, explores the realities of nineteenth-century home textile production in the region surrounding Abingdon, VA. These textiles were planned, produced, and passed down through families as important heirlooms. Adept skill in the processes of weaving, quilting, and sewing is evident in the complex designs of this region’s textiles. Focusing on these innovative qualities reframes home textile production as an intentional, design-driven process rather than a utilitarian chore.
LET HIM SPEAK FIRST [On exhibit until December 30, 2018] — Elizabeth Alexander manipulates discarded decorative materials, such as wallpaper and porcelain tableware, to create works that address cultural perceptions of homemaking and beautification. In this installation-based exhibition, Alexander explores these themes through repetitive methods of deconstruction and reconstruction. The phrase “Let him speak first” comes from a vintage collection of etiquette instructions for new wives and addresses the artist’s interst in altering “relics of the American Dream.”
STEINLEN: CATS AND HUMANITY [On exhibit until January 20, 2019] — Humanity features works by turn-of-the-century Parisian printmaker and illustrator, Theophile-Alexandre Steinlen. The William King Museum of Art brings together exhibitions developed by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and University of Richmond Museums, offering an exploration of two aspects of the artist’s multi-faceted career. Viewing these exhibitions in tandem provides the opportunity to observe Steinlen’s various stylistic explorations of cats, a favorite subject matter of his, while also considering his humanitarian interests and developing political artistic voice.
The William King Museum of Art is located at 415 Academy Drive in Abingdon, Virginia. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday hours are 1:00 p.m until 5:00 p.m. “First Thursday” events begin at 8:00 p.m. ADMISSION IS FREE. For more information, call 276-628-5005 or visit online at williamkingmuseum.org