---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Marguerite Gawron 
Date: Wed, Oct 13, 2010 at 3:24 PM
Subject: Splendid Threads, Secret Messages: The Language of Japanese
Kimonos Oct. 21 - Jan. 23
To: Marguerite Gawron 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2010

Splendid Threads, Secret Messages: The Language of Japanese Kimonos
Muskegon Museum of Art Cooper Gallery
October 21, 2010 through January 23, 2011

The Muskegon Museum of Art will open a new exhibition, Splendid
Threads, Secret Messages: The Language of Japanese Kimonos, on
Thursday, October 21. The exhibition will run through January 23,2011.

The exhibition provides an introduction to the world of Japanese
kimonos. Symbolic messages are hidden in their exquisite decoration,
and traditions from the past still dictate how they are worn today.
While Westerners readily recognize this garment and its country of
origin, our knowledge generally stops there. Closer examination can
provoke many questions, such as:
Do all those birds, flowers, and fans really mean something?
Why are some of the sleeves so very long?
Why are jackets for men only decorated on the inside?
Who can wear red and who should not?

Hidden in the design details are messages of love, honor, longevity,
faithfulness, and more. Kimonos, while similar in style, can reveal
through pattern, color, and fabric social status, age, the season of
the year, and other aspects of daily life. This selection of more than
a dozen garments covers a range of traditional clothing from
[WINDOWS-1252?]children’s wear to bridal robes and [WINDOWS-1252?]men’s attire
to resort apparel.
Today kimonos are worn primarily for festivals and celebrations, but
they remain icons of Japanese culture. Admire their beauty and explore
their details.

Splendid Threads was organized by the Muskegon Museum of Art with the
assistance of guest curator Patricia Wade. The kimonos are on loan
from John and Etta Hesselink, West Michigan collectors who lived in
Japan for many years. The exhibition is sponsored by the Van Kampen
Boyer Molinari Foundation, the Judith Van Kampen Foundation, and Blue
Lake Public Radio.

RELATED PROGRAMS

Thursday, October 21
5:30 pm Opening Reception
Asian style hors doeuvres, wine, tea, and punch will be served. A $5
donation is suggested. Open to the public.
7:00 pm Program: [WINDOWS-1252?]“How to Wear a [WINDOWS-1252?]Kimono”
After an introduction by guest curator Patricia Wade, Mayumi Balfour
will dress, wrap, and unravel the complexity and mystery of the
Japanese kimono. Free and open to the public.

Thursday, October 28, 6:30 pm
Lecture: Japanese Films
Calvin College Professor Peggy Goetz will present a fascinating look
at iconic Japanese films. Free and open to the public.

November 7, 2:00 pm
Cinema Sunday Film
Floating Weeds (Ukigusa)
Japanese with English subtitles
A rag-tag troupe of traveling actors arrives in an isolated port to
rustle up an audience for their samurai folk tales and backstage
intrigue ensues.

November 13, 10:00 am [WINDOWS-1252?]– 3:00 pm
Japan Super Saturday
Learn about Japanese culture with activities, a film, and guided tours
of the kimono exhibition. Free family fun day.

November 14, 2:00 pm
Cinema Sunday Film
Princess Raccoon (Operetta tanuki-goten)
Japanese with English subtitles
Supernatural musical tells the story of a couple star-crossed lovers.