Cornell Art Museum Will Open River of Grass Exhibition

The installation debuts in Delray Beach on October 2, 2026, to honor the environment.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Fine Art

Bold vector editorial illustration showing stylized woven sawgrass and wetland textures in earth tones, highlighting natural fiber art. — The Cornell Art Museum debuts 'River of Grass' on October 2, 2026, featuring 19 fiber artists exploring the Florida Everglades' ecological future. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Cornell Art Museum will open the River of Grass exhibition on October 2, 2026. This project features works from 19 South Florida fiber artists highlighting the ecological state of the Florida Everglades.

Why it matters

The installation serves as an educational tool regarding the local environment, specifically drawing attention to the Biscayne Aquifer. The exhibition honors the legacy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas and her 1947 book.

The exhibition showcases contributions from 19 fiber artists who created textile works on standing looms. It serves to educate the public about the Biscayne Aquifer, which supplies drinking water to over 9 million people.

The players

Cornell Art Museum

This institution is a prominent cultural venue located in Delray Beach that hosts contemporary art installations.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas

She was an influential author and activist whose writing fundamentally changed public perception of the Florida Everglades.

Hollywood Art and Culture Center

This organization operates as a partner for the exhibition and provides cultural programming in South Florida.

The details

Artists involved in the project used natural elements like palm and sedge to create three-dimensional textile works. The exhibition is a collaborative partnership with the Hollywood Art and Culture Center to emphasize regional environmental challenges.

1947: Marjory Stoneman Douglas published her landmark book.
October 2, 2026: The exhibition opens to the public.
January 24, 2027: The exhibition closes.

Industry Dynamics

The exhibition follows a trend of regional cultural institutions using art to address local ecological crises. It aligns with the historical legacy of the 1947 publication of The Everglades: River of Grass by Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

Residents and visitors in Delray Beach can access the installation starting October 2, 2026. This exhibition provides the public with a direct look at how textile arts can interpret the ecological vulnerabilities of the regional water supply.

The takeaway

The project demonstrates how artistic expression can serve as a conduit for environmental education regarding vital natural resources. Visitors are encouraged to explore how traditional fiber techniques can visualize complex ecological systems like the Biscayne Aquifer.