 |
| Here
the performers hand out programs for the event. |
The weekend of
September 27th-28th, 2003 was a whirlwind of activity at the Spurlock
Museum. Almost a full year of development came together in the opening
celebrations surrounding the focus gallery exhibit “Luxurious
Layers: Kimonos of the Heian Court.”
One of the highlights of the weekend was an American Indian performance,
“Little Wolf and the Wolf Pack:
Dance and Drum.”
Though this may sound unusual for events planned in conjunction with
an exhibit of Japanese kimonos, the explanation is a simple and special
one. Another of the weekend’s special events was a kimono dressing
performance at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts given by Japanese
visitors from the Hakubi Kyoto Kimono School. The visitors would
be
coming to the Museum for a tour,
and they requested an American Indian concert as a cultural exchange.
The Museum’s Knight Auditorium was awash in colors from the
exquisite kimonos and vibrant regalia worn by the audience members
and performers at the afternoon concert. A second American Indian
concert was held for the general public that same day.
In addition to the performances, two opening
receptions were held. One was for the Japanese visitors and Friends
of Japan House. It was Kimiko Gunji, the director of Japan House,
who first brought the idea of the Luxurious Layers exhibit to the
Museum last fall. The second was held for members of the Museum.
For more information on the exhibit, visit the Luxurious
Layers news article . For more information about
special events being held in conjunction with the exhibit, go to
the
Kimono Fantasy Site.
|
 |
| Museum
staff prepared gifts for the visitors. |
| Quicktime Video Clips |
The family sings
around Grandfather Drum. |
The exhibit has its opening reception. |
 |
| Guests
of the Hakubi Kyoto Kimono School arrive. |
 This
program was funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state
agency. |
