KSUM exhibition

SLEUTHING AT THE SEAMS: A 1750S BLUE AND SILVER DRESS

Alumni Gallery | Jean L. Druesedow, Director On February 25, 1978, Shannon Rodgers purchased a "blue silk robe and petticoat brocaded in silver, English, 1750," from Cora Ginsburg Antique Textiles in New York City. At the time, the dress was configured in a style approximating the 1770s, alt…

PIECED QUILTS AND COMFORTERS IN THE KENT STATE UNIVERSITY MUSEUM COLLECTION

Stager Gallery | Jean L. Druesedow, Director Perhaps nothing symbolizes the artistry, industry and affectionate nature of women as much as the quilts and comforters they make for their families and friends. Over centuries, through effort and fine needlework, women have given expression to th…

HAIR: THE RISE OF INDIVIDUALITY, 1790-1840

Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, in Lancaster, Ohio | Dr. Anne Bissonnette, Curator Split between nature, culture and sculpture, hair is a multifaceted topic and a medium of expression that is often overlooked. It can speak loudly and it did when, at the end of the 18th century, democratic id…

THE AGE OF NUDITY

Higbee Gallery | Dr. Anne Bissonnette, Curator We live in an era where less is more and informality is the norm. Although we might think that very little can shock us, fashion has a way of continually make us reassess our standards of propriety. The clothes we wear are part of an infinitely …

SPIRALS & ELLIPSES: CLOTHING THE BODY THREE-DIMENSIONALLY

Mull and Palmer Galleries | Anne Bissonnette, Curator Curvilinear, pliable and changing while in motion, the human body is a never ending design challenge to individuals who aim to clothe it. To cover with cloth (a.k.a. clothing) has long meant the use of what is essentially a two-dimensiona…

CHADO RALPH RUCCI

Broadbent Gallery | Anne Bissonnette, Curator Passion, creativity and craftsmanship merge in the hands of Ralph Rucci. For over two decades, Mr. Rucci has lived for his craft and has developed an exceptional body of work. He is an original known for his innovative approaches to cut and const…

RAIMENT FOR RECEPTIONS: A JAPANESE BRIDE'S LAST FURISODE

Alumni Gallery | Jean L. Druesedow, Director The furisode, or "swinging sleeve" kimono, is traditionally worn only by women before marriage. The last time a Japanese bride wears these long, swinging sleeves is at her wedding reception. On this occasion, elaborately embroidered furisode, call…

THE RIGHT CHEMISTRY: COLORS IN FASHION, 1704-1918

Higbee Gallery | Anne Bissonnette, Curator Wearing color is part of the human experience. From time immemorial, colors were an integral part of the fiber of society and their presence, or absence, served a social function. They contribute to making us who we are as individuals and …

YVES SAINT LAURENT

Broadbent Gallery | Jean L. Druesedow, Director For forty years, from 1962-2002, the Yves Saint Laurent label was one of the most coveted labels in haute couture, available to those 25-women in the world with the means to possess garments of the quality it represented. Superb design and hand…

ORIGIN AND SYNTHESIS: SELECTED WEAVINGS BY JANICE LESSMAN-MOSS, 1994-2004

Mull and Palmer Galleries | Anne Bissonnette, Curator Janice Lessman-Moss is a weaver who teaches. During the past twenty-three years, she has produced an astonishing body of work while transmitting her passion for the textile arts to students at Kent State University. Her commitment to her …