bttbjournal

mayborn · Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 1

Wrapped in Tradition: The Chihuly Collection of American Indian Trade Blankets

Wrapped in Tradition is a traveling exhibit organized by Chihuly Studio of Seattle, Washington and will be on display from May 20 through Aug. 18, 2007 in the Thomas E. and Emilyne Weed Anding Traveling Exhibit Gallery at the Mayborn Museum Complex in Waco, Texas.

The exhibition features 15 glass "Blanket Cylinders" by Dale Chihuly, who was first inspired by Navajo handmade textiles, and then began to collect machine-produced blankets made for European-American Indian trade. Today, Chihuly is known as a pioneer of American Studio Glass as well as for being a contemporary artist who creates monumental glass sculpture and environments.

The exhibition also features 80 of Chihuly's trade blankets hand-picked from his personal collection. "Wrapped in Tradition" presents a depiction of the colorful history of trade blankets, which were machine-made by companies such as the Pendleton Woolen Mills for the Native American market. Historically, traders used the blankets as a medium of exchange for furs, hand-woven baskets and other traditional Native American crafts. Desired for their intricate patterns and bold colors, the trade blankets became a significant part of the Native American landscape and are still part of American Indian culture today.

While at the museum, see our Ancient Microworlds Exhibit, Zuhl Collection of Petrified Tree Cross Sections Exhibit, A Stitch In Time Exhibit Showcasing American Quilting Tradition, and our permanent exhibits, which include 16 themed discovery rooms for children of all ages. To learn more, please visit www.maybornmuseum.com.
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Mayborn Museum Complex
1300 S. University Parks
Waco, TX 76706-1221

www.maybornmuseum.com