Summer Art Garden Opening: Wax Print Wonderland by Samilia Pelshak Featuring Women Who Spin and more!

Wax Print Wonderland by Samilia Pelshak | Featuring Women Who Spin

Join us as Memphis’ art museum unveils the 2026 Summer Art Garden with Wax Print Wonderland, a vibrant new installation by Memphis-based artist and designer Samilia Pelshak. A Nigerian-American artist and Memphis College of Art alumna, Pelshak transforms the museum plaza into a surreal landscape inspired by African wax print textiles, cultural heritage, and childhood imagination.

In Wax Print Wonderland, bold patterns, braided triangular forms, gourds, and swirling textiles create an immersive environment rich with symbolism. Drawing on traditions across the African diaspora, Pelshak’s work celebrates community, wisdom, and the power of gathering—inviting visitors into a joyful space where culture, color, and storytelling come together.

To mark the opening, the museum hosts Women Who Spin, an evening celebrating women shaping culture through music and creativity in honor of Women’s History Month. DJs DJ Brillianaire, DJ Zetta, and DJ Rosamii bring their sonic perspectives to the plaza, turning the garden into a vibrant space of sound, movement, and connection.

Guests can also participate in a collaborative collage activation led by Memphis multimedia artist Patience Andrews, creating a collective artwork inspired by women across artistic disciplines. An interactive networking experience facilitated by BitchBopz will also offer space for artists, creatives, and supporters to connect and build community.

Together, the evening launches the Summer Art Garden while celebrating the creativity and leadership of women across the arts. Join us for a night where public art, music, and community come together to welcome the season in full color.

Sponsored by Art Now and the Couture Collective