Writing with Thread: Traditional Textiles of South

"Writing with Thread: Traditional Textiles of Southwest Chinese Minorities" features a selection of more than 500 objects including historically significant clothing and silver ornaments from a collection of southwest Chinese ethnic minority costumes unmatched in the world. Costumes from 15 ethnic groups and nearly 100 subgroups will be shown in the United States for the first time.

Through an arresting visual feast of exquisite and rare garments, "Writing with Thread" explores the meanings associated with the production and use of indigenous clothing. Entire ensembles of women’s, men’s and children’s regalia, baby carriers, quilt covers, festive and religious vestments, silver jewelry, embroidered silk valences, and wax-resist dyed curtains, plus a loom, weaving tools, and embroidery cases are arranged in a meandering environment that suggests the great river systems of the region of China along which the various groups settled. The needlework and silverwork of each ethnic group show variations in their myths of origin and heroic combats, communal memories, and wish fulfillment. A 320-page exhibition catalogue that features scholarly essays and many images will be published. "Writing with Thread" serves as the fulcrum for the Textile Society of America Biennial Symposium from September 24-27, 2008 in Honolulu. (For details: www.textilesociety.org.) Museums and galleries throughout the city will also present textile-related exhibitions.

UH Art Gallery is a proud participant in Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day, a national one-day event that celebrates the country's cultural offerings, encourages the dissemination of knowledge, and promotes museums. To inspire the community to visit, participating institutions are offering free admission to Museum Day Admission Card holders on September 27. (For details: www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/.) UH Art Gallery is always free!

Ticket Information
Admission is free. Parking fees may apply. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:30-5:00; Sun. 12:00-5:00. Closed Sat.; Election Day, Nov. 4; Veterans Day Nov. 11; Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 27. Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day special hours: Sat., Sept. 27, 10:00-5:00.

Event Sponsor
UHM Department of Art & Art History, Manoa Campus

More Information
Sharon Tasaka, 956-6888, gallery@hawaii.edu, http://www.hawaii.edu/artgallery/

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