Adornment
March 4, 2010 – February 2011
Riverside Metropolitan Museum
3580 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside, CA 92501
(951) 826-5273
Throughout history, humans have adorned their bodies in order to transform their appearance. Transforming one’s appearance --whether permanently or temporarily-- can be achieved by altering the body itself or by adding something to it. How and why people adorn themselves may be dictated by personal aesthetics, social status or rank, religious or spiritual beliefs, group identity, the natural environment, or the need for self-expression manifesting itself in a variety of different methods and materials.
These methods have included tattooing, branding, shaping, and surgically enhancing the human body. Materials can also be used and come in the form of accessories, jewelry, piercings, paint and cosmetics, hats, wigs, and clothing.
While clothing provides a basic function, such as to provide warmth and protect the body, it also has social and cultural importance, yielding yet another means for adornment and self-expression. The use of patterns, dyes, beads, fur, hair, and embroidery alters the appearance of clothing, transforming an article of function into one of aesthetic appeal.
Ultimately, personal adornment transcends necessity and reflects the history, culture, and environment of the individual.
The exhibit features artifacts from the museum’s collections such as Native American headdresses, moccasins, hats, and cradleboards; European and North American dresses, purses, wedding gowns; and Asian robes and ceremonial dress. Students from Riverside Community College, Department of Cosmetology will recreate make-up and hairstyles inspired by different periods in history to be on display in the exhibit. Body art will also be showcased featuring Mehndi (henna) art work by Riverside artist, Debi Reiser and tattoo works by artists Aaron Funk and Brent Vann from Tattoo Revolution.
Thursday, February 4 - Arts Walk, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
View the Stars from a High Powered Telescope courtesy of the Riverside Astronomical Society
Be apart of the upcoming exhibit, Adornment
Share your body art and its story – Do you have a tattoo and would like to share why you got it? Come to the museum and have a photo taken of your tattoo and get the chance to be a part of the exhibit. Select tattoos and stories will be featured in the exhibit.
Adorn this Wall -Bring your beads, buttons, jewels, and gems and help us adorn the gallery wall for the Adornment Exhibition set to open March 4!
Community Video – In what special way do you adorn yourself? The Museum film crew will be out and about interviewing community members about how they adorn themselves. The video will be played in the exhibition’s gallery.
Exhibit Opening & Reception
Thursday, March 4 – Arts Walk, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Join us in celebrating the opening of Adornment! A fun-filled night of music, henna art by Henna Crone, Cosmetic Demonstrations by Riverside Community College, Department of Cosmetology, face painting by Artistic Artistry, and more!
Family Fun Day on First Sundays
Adorn Yourself! (Free Face Painting, too!)
Sunday, March 7 –1:00 – 4:00 pm
Beaded jewelry has been an important part of human adornment for most cultures throughout history. Beads can be made from natural or synthetic materials and can be purely decorative or have a special meaning. Come to the Museum and make your own beaded jewelry to adorn yourself. Sponsored in part by the Bead Attic.
Adornment 80s Style Party –
Big Bangs, Bangles, and Bedazzlers!
Thursday, April 1 – Arts Walk
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Totally Awesome! Enjoy music and games from the 1980s, bedazzle a pair of your favorite jeans, enter our “Big Bang” Contest, and please do come dressed. More details to come.
Jewelry Fair
Thursday, May 6 – Arts Walk
6:00 – 9:00 pm
Local jewelry artisans display and sell their work. This is a great gift idea for Mother's Day!
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