Textiles to Art:
Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Artists
An impressive showcase of textile art and quilts
Supported by The Quilter's Studio, SilkRoad Textiles, Seams so Easy
03/13/26-04/23/2026
Main Exhibition Hall
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Opening Reception 03/13, 6pm-8pm
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Pour & Explore, 03/28, 6pm-9pm
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Demo & Workshop Days
04/08 11am-3pm, 04/18, 10am-2pm
This exhibition showcases contemporary textile art and quilts by members of CQAFA, highlighting innovative approaches to fiber, pattern, and process. During CQAFA Demonstration Days, contemporary quilt and fiber artists bring the exhibit to life at the MAC through live demonstrations, interactive learning, and select hands-on workshops, offering visitors a deeper look into the techniques and ideas behind the work on view.
Work pictured by Cris Fee
Chaos Fields - Deep Dive
by John Sousa
03/09/26 - 04/23/26
Lobby Gallery​
Opening Reception 03/09, 6pm-8pm
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Pour & Explore, 03/28, 6pm-9pm
Perception is inherently fragmented; the mind constantly stitches incomplete information into something that feels whole. This series embraces that understanding. The paintings are suggestive rather than literal, allowing meaning to surface gradually through association and discovery. The longer you look, the more connections emerge. The works are less representations of the external world than glimpses into the way our minds wander—fields where thought, memory, and sensation gather, scatter, recombine, and build our perception.
My process is slow and obsessive—an ongoing amalgamation of my varied interests: art, materials and technology, quantum physics, language, consciousness, dreams, and more. I am drawn to the way apparent order arises from chaos. Built through collage-based mashups of diverse, sometimes competing styles, the work incorporates elements of visual poetry, Cubist and Dada collage, Formalism, Pop, and beyond, resulting in paintings that are visually dynamic and intellectually engaging.
Annual Student Exhibition
Sponsored by Suzie Bennett, in memory of Jay Wright
05/08/2026-06/26/2026
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening Reception Friday, 05/08 6-8pm
Middletown Arts Center offers art education in Painting, Drawing, Glass, Ceramics, Photography, Fiber, Enameling, Metalworking and more. The talented MAC instructors help hundreds of students each year to develop their artistic skill. Our annual exhibition showcases the best of the best of our students' work.
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Prospectus Available Soon.
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Pictured: 2025 Best of Show, Student Jan Holladay Scheuber
Line, Shape, Color, Art - Artwork by Dana Olsen
05/06/2026-06/25/2026
Lobby Gallery
Opening Reception Friday, 05/08 6-8pm
The majority of my paintings have their own story. When something catches my eye, I think how would I paint that. It might be a scene from one of our hiking trips, observing people shopping for purses or turkeys in my backyard. I think about colors, shapes and composition while keeping in mind a balance of abstraction and some realism. But most importantly, I think what are the attributes of that object or scene that initially intrigued me and makes that object look like that object. I usually write lists of what stands out to me and what I want to make sure I include in the painting.
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Following this, I often work on simple studies of shapes, compositions and indicate possible color choices next to shapes. After that, with intention, I go for it!! Working on the painting, I breakup space, add shapes, take parts out... because everything in a painting has to work together. Although I have an idea of what the most important components and colors are, there is a point where I end up following the painting. Some paintings are completed very quickly while others take many months.
I work in oils and acrylics but recently I have been experimenting- and working outside my comfort zone - with mixed media. Looking forward to seeing what my artistic future holds!
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Pictured: Love Troubles in Turkey Town, Dana Olsen
Annual Photography & Digital Art Exhibition
7/17/26-8/20/26
Main Exhibition Hall
Submissions: June 2026
Opening Reception Friday, 7/17 6-8pm
Middletown Arts Center presents their annual Photography and Digital Art Competition. Entry details coming soon.
All Professional and Amateur Photographers and Digital Artists ages 16 years or older are eligible to submit digital photographs, film photographs or other digital works of art on our website.
Regional professional and amateur photographers and digital artists compete to exhibit their best work. This esteemed exhibition features a variety of photography and digital art subjects including architecture, landscape, and portraits.
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Pictured: Factory Butte Night Sky, Robert Hawkins, Best of Show 2025
Works by Deb Jo Jones
7/17/26-8/20/26
Lobby Gallery
Opening Reception Friday, 7/17 6-8pm
About Deb Jo Jones:
My batik studio is located just west of Cincinnati in Okeana, Ohio, where I create batiks on cotton, silk, watercolor paper and rice paper.
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I works from photos, sketches and color plans to transform the light and space of a familiar place through the unique and complex batik process. I also use batik to create mid century designs and fabric collages.
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I am a member of the International Batik Guild. I have attended and taught batik workshops.
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Pictured: Yellow Iris, Deb Jo Jones
In partnership with
Steel in a Different Light
A special collaboration of works by renowned steel artist Mike Elsass and employees of Cleveland Cliffs
9/4/26-10/15/26
Main Exhibition Hall
Opening Reception Friday, 9/4, 6-8pm
Community Block Party, 9/19, 11am-3pm
Steel in a Different Light celebrates the union of fine art and Middletown’s steel heritage, showcasing works by renowned steel-based artist Mike Elsass alongside creations from employees of the Cleveland-Cliffs organization. These steel-inspired artworks honor the material that has shaped our community while highlighting the creativity and vision of artists and industry professionals alike.
Through this exhibition, visitors can explore the history and impact of steel in Middletown, learn about Cleveland-Cliffs’ 125-year legacy, and see how steel continues to influence the present and future of our city.
In partnership with the Middletown Historical Society, the display also features historical context, giving a deeper understanding of the steel industry’s role in building the community.
Celebrate community, creativity, and industry during the free, all-ages Block Party in partnership with the City of Middletown, part of MAC’s Annual Event Series. Enjoy hands-on activities, live music, food trucks, touch-a-truck, and immersive art experiences while experiencing the innovative and inspiring works featured in Steel in a Different Light.