A Collaborative Exhibition of Works from the Permanent Collections of The Art Center of Western Colorado and Museums of Western Colorado
Dates: January 17, 2026 – March 21, 2026
Presented at: Museum of the West (Museums of Western Colorado)
Address: 462 Ute Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Step into the story of Diné (Navajo) weaving—where tradition, trade, and innovation intertwine. Spider Woman & Trading Posts brings together remarkable textiles and related works from The Art Center of Western Colorado and Museums of Western Colorado, presented at Museum of the West for a limited time.
Important note
This exhibition is hosted at Museum of the West (462 Ute Avenue). It is not located at The Art Center’s North Seventh Street location.
About the exhibition
Before the United States acquired what is now the American Southwest, Diné textiles were highly sought-after trade items. Diné beliefs share that Spider Woman taught the People to weave on the first loom, formed from sky, earth, sunrays, and lightning.
As trading posts were established across the Navajo Reservation, traders encouraged weavers to develop patterns associated with specific posts—leading to the growth of distinctive regional weaving styles, especially by the mid-20th century. Today, many weavers draw from and expand beyond these regional influences, blending traditions and creating bold new designs.
What you’ll experience
- A focused look at the development of Diné weaving styles across time
- Works drawn from two significant Western Colorado collections
- A chance to see the beauty, complexity, and creativity of Diné textile artistry up close
Key details
Exhibit Dates: January 17, 2026 – March 21, 2026
Location: Museum of the West, Museums of Western Colorado
Address: 462 Ute Avenue, Grand Junction, CO 81501
Don’t miss this limited-time collaboration at Museum of the West!