Traditional meets modern fashion in new exhibit at Schingoethe Center
The Schingoethe Center of Aurora University will present the exhibit "THREADS: A Line From There to Here" through Friday, Dec. 13.
Curated by director and chief curator Meg Bero and curator Laura Russman, the exhibit juxtaposes traditional clothing and accessories from the Schingoethe historic collection with examples of Native fashion from the 1950s, as well as contemporary Native fashion designers recently added to the collection. Paintings, photographs, and prints will provide context.
Exhibited side by side, it is easy to see how the traditional inspires the modern - how the past influences the present.
The Schingoethe Center of Aurora University is the steward of more than 4,000 American Indian objects.
This exhibit will feature more than 150 items. In addition to clothing and accessories is an extensive display of more than 75 Native American-made dolls adorned in traditional clothing.
This exhibit will broaden understanding of American Indians as a living culture, presenting the beauty and craftsmanship of artists from the late 1800s to the mid-20th century whose work exemplifies traditional techniques in beadwork, weaving, quillwork, and silver.
These are contrasted with the work of contemporary fashion designers who take these materials and motifs in new and exciting directions, not bound by tradition but inspired by it.
For instance, the unrivaled beadwork that American Indians have perfected and are known for continues in exquisite style in the work of Navajo designer Orlando Dugi in his hand-beaded silk and feather cocktail dress. Or artist Charlene Holy Bear who takes moccasins into the 21st century with her beaded Vans sneakers.
Plan to attend the opening reception from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Schingoethe Center, 1315 Prairie St., Aurora.
After the reception, Rebecca Head Trautmann, curator of Contemporary Art at the National Museum of the American Indian, discusses the work of four Native American artists, including their transformative use of unexpected materials such as wool blankets, historic maps, documents, and photographs.
"Taking Form: Material and Message in Native American Contemporary Art" will begin at 6:45 p.m. at Tapper Recital Hall.
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, a preview of the National Native American Veterans Memorial will be presented by Rebecca Head Trautmann, project coordinator for the Veterans Memorial Project.
Trautmann will take you through the process and progress on this important project from noon to 2 p.m. at Tapper Recital Hall. Refreshments will be served. A special presentation of the Eagle Staff by the Native American community will begin the presentation.
This event is co-sponsored by the Aurora University Veterans Association, the Midwest SOARRING Foundation and the Schingoethe Center.
The Schingoethe Center is free and open to the public.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, with evening hours until 7 p.m. Tuesday. For more information, visit aurora.edu/museum.
The Schingoethe Center of Aurora University seeks to cultivate creative community as a regional art museum dedicated to bringing exceptional art and artists and related programming to the western suburbs. The Schingoethe Center is a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum.