What: The exhibition - The Art of the Embroiderer

When: September 25, 2008, to December 31, 2009

Where: Kent State University Museum, Broadbent Gallery, in Rockwell Hall on the corner of East Main and South Lincoln Streets on the Kent State University campus.

Background: Over 80 dazzling garments and textiles from across the world spanning over 200 years of creativity and innovation are featured in the Kent State University Museum's exhibition, The Art of the Embroiderer. From haute couture gowns to Japanese kimono and Saudi Arabian caftans, the exhibition captivates through colors, materials and sheer beauty.

One of the treasures of North East Ohio the Museum draws from its collection of over 30,000 garments and artifacts to display some of its finest pieces for this exhibition, which includes Christian Dior's "Vénus", a splendid ball gown of pink tulle embroidered with sequins and crystals that once belonged to actress Marlene Dietrich. The gown is displayed alongside men's eighteenth-century coats and vests intricately decorated in gold, silver and silk thread. Works by Worth, Balmain and Valentino serve to explore the lavish purpose of needlework in Europe, while robes and tunics from Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Greece, and India mesmerize through their raised gold-work ornamentation. From China to Romania, patience, precision and imagination abound.

Join us to learn more about the vast world of embroidery, which turns all of nature into a contributor. From mirror-work to gem-encrusted court gowns, witness first-hand the novelty of the materials, the variety in the designs, and the beauty of their execution.

To see pictures of this exhibition and the six others currently on display, go to www.kent.edu/museum and click on "exhibitions." High resolution photographs available on request. Contact Dr. Anne Bissonnette at museum@kent.edu or (330) 672-0302.

The Kent State University Museum is open Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 4:45 p.m. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

The museum is located in Rockwell Hall on the corner of East Main and South Lincoln streets on the Kent Campus. Special guided tours are available for groups by reservation. Free on-site motor coach parking is available.

For additional information about the Kent State University Museum, go to www.kent.edu/museum, or call (330) 672-3450.

LINK TO IN EMBROIDERY WEBSITE

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