August 30, 2026: Free Screening and Discussion of “The Fruit Machine”
In partnership with the Rainbow Veterans of Canada, the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum will be screening “The Fruit Machine”, followed by a discussion with Patti Gray and Sharp Dopler on Sunday, August 30 at 2pm.
In this film by Sarah Fodey, survivors of a decades-long homosexual witch-hunt recount their personal stories of dedication and betrayal at the hands of the Canadian government.
This event is free, but registration is required!
Workshops
Temporary Exhibitions
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Carole Baillargeon: Rock Paper Scissors
Vernissage: May 2, 2026 from 1pm- 4pm Over the last 40 years, Carole Baillargeon has developed a rich hybrid practice in visual arts, with references to manual trades, craft and scenography. Related to contemporary textiles, her 2D works, sculptures and installations reflect her connection to the natural world and her interest in the shared humanity of our experiences. She is sensitive to the impermanent nature of life, the precarity of our environment, the transmission of heritage and hand skills, as well as the historical role of women in society. Curated by José Niaison, four bodies of work have been brought together in this exhibition, offering an overview…
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Tartan: Culture & Cloth
Presented in Partnership with Almonte Celtfest Vernissage: May 2, 2026 from 1pm- 4pm Tartan is more than just a fabric; it is a symbol of kinship, identity, and rebellion woven through centuries and across cultures. This timeless textile represents the history and stories of the Celtic peoples and reveals how a simple piece of fabric can embed itself in culture, art, and design. Created and curated by Meaghan Guthrie and Makayla Moore from Almonte Celtfest, Tartan: Culture & Cloth invites visitors to explore the history, heritage, and unexpected global journey of this iconic cloth. From humble origins in…
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‘Unfinished Journey: Memory, Identity, & Family’ by Anne Kelly
Vernissage: August 8, 2026 from 1pm- 4pm Anne Kelly’s creative process is marked by the thoughtful selection of vintage and reclaimed textiles, which not only add layers of history to her pieces but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and continuity. Rooted in themes of memory and identity, drawing deeply from her personal narrative, Anne weaves together recollections from her travels and experiences of living both in Canada and the UK in Unfinished Journey: Memory, Identity, & Family. She constructs a unique visual language that reflects her multifaceted sense of self. She includes references to her present life as a…
Virtual Exhibitions
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Covid 19: A Stronger WEave
The MVTM’s call for submissions of textile projects created during the pandemic was met with great enthusiasm: both beginner and more advanced makers sent us their “Covid-19 Crafts” projects, along with their thoughts on crafting during these turbulent times.
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Grist for the Mill: Select Poems and Images
A selection of poems by Susan Macaulay, paired with photography inspired by the Mississippi Valley’s industrial history and landscape.
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Warped: A unique view of industrial textile machinery
The Museum’s historical architecture and artefacts are uniquely viewed and captured through the lens of photographer Trevor Johnston.
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Fashioning Identity: Clothing and the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community of the Mississippi Valley
How do you use clothing? For millennia, different cultures, communities and individuals around the world have been using clothing in many ways; not just to cover their bodies, but as a form of expression, connection, identity, solidarity and resistance. Nine members of the Mississippi Valley’s 2SLGBTQIA+ community are sharing their wardrobes and their journeys with style. Explore how they use clothing to fashion their identities!
