From handmade beads to a painted prancing rabbit, a fresh exhibit has plenty of unique artifacts to explore. Families, head to the Kelsey Museum of Archeology in Ann Arbor Oct. 15-Dec 21, 2014, and learn all about the Islamic art at its newest exhibit, Pearls of Wisdom: The Arts of Islam at the University of Michigan.
The term "pearls of wisdom" comes from the medieval calligrapher Abu Hayyan al-Tawhidi, who equated a calligrapher's art of writing to a string of pearls transformed into jewelry. This metaphor inspired the guest curators of this exhibit to organize it by theme rather than medium, culture or period.
You'll see 82 different artifacts that capture the cultural richness and diversity of the university's Islamic collection. Among them are textiles, paintings and manuscripts, as well as works in ceramics, glass, metal and wood.
To enhance the experience, a full-color catalogue (on sale in the gift shop) illustrates and interprets each item in the exhibit. An interactive display in the gallery and online lesson plans for kids are available too. Opening weekend also features "Family Day," where kids get to be an archeologist and curate their own display, among other activities. That runs 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.
The Pearls of Wisdom: The Arts of Islam and the University of Michigan exhibit is Oct. 15-Dec. 21, 2014. Times are as follows:
- Tuesday-Friday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Saturday-Sunday: 1-4 p.m.
Admission to the museum is free, but donations are welcome.
For more information on the Pearls of Wisdom: The Arts of Islam exhibit at the Kelsey Museum, visit the Metro Parent calendar listing.
