Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways at Mystic Museum of Art
Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways at Mystic Museum of Art explores the history of textiles in southeastern Connecticut, tracing how fabrics, fashion, and craftsmanship have shaped the region from the precolonial era through the present day. On view from June 26 through October 11, 2026, the exhibition brings together historic artifacts and contemporary works to examine how textiles reflect labor, immigration, cultural identity, and changing ideas of luxury.
Inspired by southeastern Connecticut’s once-thriving velvet industry, the exhibition features a collaboration between Mystic Museum of Art, Historic Stonington, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center, Mystic Seaport Museum, and the Connecticut Region of the Studio Art Quilt Associates. Visitors will encounter an extensive collection of beadwork, embroidery, quilts, velvet, fashion, and textile art drawn from partner institutions and the museum’s own collection.
The exhibition also highlights contemporary fashion designers with Connecticut connections, including Xarea Lockhart, Toriana Sauro, Christian Siriano, and Peter Som. Their work connects the region’s textile heritage with modern fashion, demonstrating how clothing and material culture continue to influence art, identity, and design. Throughout the exhibition, the museum will present lectures, artist conversations, and hands-on workshops that further explore these themes.
Exhibition Details
- Exhibition: Luxe CT: Velvet Mills to Modern Runways
- Venue: Mystic Museum of Art
- Dates: June 26-October 11, 2026
- Location: Mystic, CT
Exhibition Highlights
Visitors will experience:
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- Works from Mystic Museum of Art’s permanent collection
- Loans from regional museums and organizations
Featured Partners
The exhibition includes contributions from:
- Historic Stonington
- Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
- Mystic Seaport Museum
- Studio Art Quilt Associates, Connecticut Region
Featured Designers
The exhibition showcases work by designers with Connecticut ties, including:
- Xarea Lockhart
- Toriana Sauro
- Christian Siriano
- Peter Som
Admission
- General Admission: $12
- New London County residents: $10
- Seniors (65+): $10
- Students with valid ID: $10
- Free:
- Mystic Museum of Art members
- Youth ages 17 and under
- Military personnel and veterans
Exhibition Programs
Public programs are held on select Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 7
Mystic Mudlarking: The River and the Rossie Velvet Mill
- Guest speaker: Mary Hendrickson
Tuesday, July 21
Immigration and Industry
- Guest speaker: Chelsea Mitchell, Library Director & Collections Manager, Historic Stonington
Tuesday, September 1
Conversation with Alana Ryder and Emerging Designers
Featuring:
- Alana Ryder
- Xarea Lockhart
- Toriana Sauro
Workshops
All workshops take place in KTJ Studios.
Saturday, September 19
From Textile to Art: Felt Collage Workshop
Saturday, September 26
Introduction to Sewing Workshop
- Featured designer: Toriana Sauro
Saturday, October 10
Relief Printing on Silk Scarf Workshop
Why Visit
Luxe CT examines how textiles have connected communities across centuries while reflecting the region’s history of manufacturing, immigration, craftsmanship, and artistic innovation. By pairing historical artifacts with contemporary fashion and fiber art, the exhibition offers visitors a deeper understanding of southeastern Connecticut’s cultural heritage and its continuing influence on today’s artists and designers.
