Kent State University Museum Celebrates the Year of the Bird with “For the Birds”

 

Kimono-shaped futon cover with design of phoenixes - Japanese, late 19th century

The Kent State University Museum will present “For the Birds” from April 13, 2018 - February 3, 2019 in the Stager and Blum Galleries. The exhibition will display fashion and decorative pieces of art inspired by birds. The Museum is located at 515 Hilltop Dr.,  Kent, OH 44240.

This year has been declared the Year of the Bird as it marks the centennial of the passing of the Migratory Bird Act in the United States. In the twentieth century, the popularity of bird feathers on hats led to a fear of bird extinction and it “sparked the movement to organize and protect bird species”, reveals Dr. Sarah Hume, curator of this exhibition. Thus, the creation of organizations such as the Audubon Society and the Migratory Bird Act.

To celebrate this achievement, “For the Birds” will showcase various forms that birds have taken on in art forms. Hume explains that “there is such a variety of different species and different ways of using them in arts and fashion.” From garments worn in China and India, to jewelry and hats in Europe and the Americas, birds have had symbolic meaning to a variety of cultures all over the world.

The exhibition will explore the levels of meaning that birds can convey. It will be organized by type of birds and includes peacocks, ostriches, cranes, roosters and eagles.

There will be an opening tea reception and media preview on April 13, from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. The cost to attend is $15.00.  Call 330-672-3450 to reserve.

The Kent State University Museum will be hosting four other exhibits when “For The Birds” opens. Museum hours range from 10 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Wed. to Sun. except Thurs. when the Museum closes at 8:45p.m. and Sun. when it opens at noon. General admissions cost $5, $4 for Senior Citizens (55+ years), $3 for students and children (7-18 years) and free admission for children under 7, all Kent State students, faculty and staff and for all on Sundays. Parking is always free.

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For more information, contact:

Brittani Peterson, Marketing Associate, bpeter12@kent.edu, 330-672-2714

or visit: Kent State Museum

POSTED: Thursday, March 15, 2018 01:40 PM
Updated: Friday, December 9, 2022 02:17 AM