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<p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:13.5pt;color:black'>D</span><span
style='font-size:13.5pt'>ear Colleague,<br>
<br>
An exciting, unique exhibit is coming to the Weller Gallery at Fellows
Riverside Gardens-Mill Creek MetroParks June 23 through August 9, 2009.
Please help us spread the news.<br>
<br>
Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art is an exhibition organized by
the Museum of African Art and toured by NEH on the Road, a special initiative
of the National Endowment for the Humanities. This exhibit tells the story of
the Lowcountry coiled basket, one of the oldest African-inspired arts in
America. Specifically, the exhibit awakens our interest in history and will
excite Youngstown viewers to think about traditions.<br>
<br>
This exhibition traces the parallel histories of coiled basketry in Africa
and America and explores the evolution of the ancient craft in today’s global
economy. Featuring baskets from the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry, as
well as from various regions of Africa, this exhibit tells the story of
coiled baskets from the domestication of rice in Africa two millennia ago,
through the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the Carolina rice plantation, to
the present.<br>
<br>
Special efforts have been made to assure this exhibit available to the
community at large and the African-American & Hispanic communities in
particular. A series of free programs will be offered throughout the exhibit
period.<br>
<br>
On June 23, 7:00 p.m. at Fellows Riverside Gardens, Dr. Dale Rosengarten,
Co-curator of the exhibit, and fifth generation basket weaver Nakia Wigfall,
both of Charleston, S outh Carolina will present the opening lecture and
weaving demonstration.<br>
<br>
On July 21, at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Peter Rutkoff, founder and chair of the American
Studies Department at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio will present a lecture
Gullah Culture: Baskets, Kumbaya, and Growing Houses. Refreshments will
follow both presentations.<br>
<br>
They also offer tours of the exhibit, Gardens and hands-on
activities for children’s programs by appointment. To schedule for a private
event, please call Lynn Zocolo at 330-740-7116 extension 211.<br>
<br>
There is also a supply of posters and brochures available. If you have
outlets for these materials or can help the park reach people or
organizations that might be interested, please call Norma Roden at
330-740-7116 or email norma@millcreekmetroparks.org<br>
<br>
I know you will be enamored when you view the talent and align it with our
ever exciting history. Hope you are able to take full advantage of this
experience!<br>
<br>
Pastor Lew Macklin</span> <o:p></o:p></p>
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