Persian rugs and much more at gallery

0

WILMINGTON — A display of over 20 pieces of native textiles will have its official opening at the Harcum Art Gallery in the Boyd Cultural Arts Center on the Wilmington College Campus 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 22.

The pieces come from the collections of Stephen Potthoff, Christine Snyder and Neil Snarr. Potthoff, Professor of Philosophy and Religion at the college, contributes seven Persian rugs of various sizes, each with different themes.

The material used in all seven is wool and silk, with varying combinations of the two. Themes range from nature scenes such as the Tree of Life to religious themes like the Garden of Eden.

Neil Snarr contributes eight pieces of native art from six different cultures.

There are two pieces of reverse applique from the Kuna Islands off the coast of Panama, one being framed and the other an actual blouse with molas incorporated on the front and back. You will be able to examine the technique used by handling a mola – which might incorporate up to 10 varieties of material, each of a different color.

There will also be two Navajo rugs made of wool with very bright colors. There will also be a framed cross-stitch piece from Palestine, a poncho from Mexico and more.

Christine Snyder, former chairperson of the Wilmington College Board of Trustees, has collected native textiles from many countries and contributes eight to this display. All are from Latin American countries.

Two are molas with bird designs from the Kuna people off the coast of Panama. There are three wool rugs, one from Oaxaca in southern Mexico, another from the Otavalo culture of Ecuador and finally, an alpaca skin rug from Bolivia. Christine’s collection also includes two huipils (blouses) from Guatemala – Guatemalan weavings and crafts are found throughout much of Latin America and elsewhere.

The final item is embroidery stitching from Paraguay on red cotton cloth.

Light refreshments will be served and the textiles will be on display through the month of August in the Harcum Art Gallery at the Boyd Cultural Arts Center. There is no admission charge.

Shown are three of the rugs from Neil Snarr’s collection. On the left is one from Mexico; the other two are Navajo rugs.
http://www.wnewsj.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/06/web1_DSC_0171.jpgShown are three of the rugs from Neil Snarr’s collection. On the left is one from Mexico; the other two are Navajo rugs. Tom Barr | News Journal

For The News Journal

No posts to display