The Pearl of the Silk Road: Uzbek Living Heritage

The Pearl of the Silk Road: Uzbek Living Heritage brings the centuries-old artistic traditions of Uzbekistan’s Fergana Valley to Palm Beach County for five days only.

Presented by the Official Representation of Fergana Region in the United States, the exhibition brings master artisans from Uzbekistan to show their work and their methods. Each day includes live demonstrations, so you can watch these pieces being made and talk with the people who make them.

Rishtan ceramics – hand-painted pottery finished in ishkor, the deep blue alkaline glaze the town has been known for over centuries
Margilan silk – abr (ikat) weaving, where threads are tied and dyed before they reach the loom, giving each length of cloth its soft, feathered pattern
Kokand woodcarving – fine geometric and floral patterns hand-carved in walnut: book stands, boxes, chess sets and decorative plates

Something new every day. A plate, a length of silk and a carved book stand are made step by step over the week and finished in front of guests on Friday. Daily program includes short talks, “Ask the masters” sessions with interpretation, and free hands-on activities, such as painting a Rishtan ornament on a ceramic tile or trying ikat resist dyeing.

Mon, Oct 12 – Opening ceremony and ribbon cutting at 10:00 AM
Tue, Oct 13 – Ceramics day
Wed, Oct 14 – Silk day
Thu, Oct 15 – Woodcarving day
Fri, Oct 16 – Master and apprentice; the week’s pieces are completed

Visitors can also learn about the Fergana Region today, including its tourism, trade and investment opportunities, and its historic place along the Great Silk Road.

Dates: October 12–16, 2026
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: Palm Beach County Convention Center, Meeting Room 1DE, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Admission: Free and open to the public. No ticket needed.

Full daily schedule and RSVP for the opening ceremony: uzbekheritage.org. Group and school visits are welcome; please email ahead. Paid parking is available at the Convention Center garage.