Exhibitions

Designer Christian Siriano and artist Ashley Longshore believe fashion and art should welcome everyone. Their work encourages people to show up without apology. 

Siriano designs clothing for people of all sizes and gender expressions, proving that confidence belongs to everyone. Longshore paves a colorful path for pop art and fashion to coexist. Through her art, she challenges conventions and champions individuality. 

Together they show how fashion and art can change how we see ourselves and the world. 

Presented by The Branch Museum of Design and VCUarts.

Sponsored By:

Rachel Grove Dalton | Elmwood Society

AMP Up Experiences, LLC | Daniel Construction Inc | Rob & Jean Estes | Richmond Region Tourism | VCUarts Pollak Society

Atlantic Union Bank | Baskervill | Cassie Lane Med Spa | Cindy Buckler | Caley Shaffer Cantrell | CKG Foundation | Carson Ashby Events | Kristen Cavallo | Jack Cooper & Hilton Farmer | Diversity Richmond | Virginia Edmunds | Rob Hargett | Dougal Hewitt | Susan Hochradel-Feeley | Shelley Huntington & Brooke Hughes | Ivy Design Group | Rebecca Keller | LaDIFF | Jennifer Little & Brickford Brown | Emily Millhiser | Petersburg Area Art League | Alexandra & Brock Saunders | Bob & Robbin Steele | Kenneth & Lauren Tucker | The Valentine | YouDecide

Step into a world where design meets imagination. The Mad Hatter Art & Design Auction is The Branch Museum’s signature celebration of creativity — and one of our most anticipated nights of the year. Guests don their most inventive hats for an evening of fashion, fun, and spirited bidding on art, design, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Proceeds support The Branch’s exhibitions, educational programs, and the preservation of our iconic Tudor home — ensuring design continues to inspire and connect our community for years to come.

Beginning April 1, works from the Mad Hatter Art & Design Auction will be on view throughout The Branch. The exhibition brings together art and design with a sense of whimsy, inviting visitors to explore exceptional works ahead of the auction event on April 24.

Sponsored By:

BOB Architecture | Brand Federation | Elmwood Fund | Gilbane | McKinnon and Harris | Mid-Century Morris | Niamtu Cosmetic Facial Surgery | Reliable Payments | VMFA

* Reflects current sponsor list as of February 2026