News release prepared by: Martha Scott, 785-532-7718, marthas@k-state.edu

Friday, March 18, 2011

NEW EXHIBITIONS BRING FUN, EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO THE BEACH

MANHATTAN -- In support of the new exhibitions, "Ancient Bronzes of the Asian Grasslands" and "Dragons and Dragonflies," the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art at Kansas State University has a full slate of related activities planned.

All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. They include:

* An Arts Above the Arch Lecture, "Ancient Bronzes of the Grasslands: Who Wore Them and Why," by exhibition curator Trudy Kawami, director of research at the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation in New York, at 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 31. The lecture is sponsored by the Richard Coleman Lecture Fund.

* "The Silk Road: Highway of Dreams and Nightmares," a lecture by Fran Wasielewski at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 6. Wasielewski is a specialist on the Silk Road's rich history in the 5,000 mile-route from Chi'an to Antioch. A reception will follow at 5 p.m. with Chinese-style refreshments, music, costumes and displays. The event is coordinated by the Friends of the K-State Historic Costume and Textile Museum, the department of apparel, textiles and interior design, and the Chinese Student Support Council. The lecture is for adults.

* Dragons, an early-release workshop, will be 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8. Children and parents can celebrate an afternoon off from school by learning about and creating Asian dragons. Unlike the dangerous dragons of Europe, Asian dragons are symbols of good luck. Participants will tour the "Dragons and Dragonflies" exhibition, learn about Asian dragon lore and create a fiery beast to take home. The cost is $3 per child, and reservations are required. Children must be at least 6 years old to attend. Reservations can be made by calling 785-532-7718.

* "Under the Manchus: Textiles and Costume for Court, Temple and Household," a curator's lecture by Mary M. Dusenbery, at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20. In 1644 Manchu invaders from the northern grasslands overthrew the Ming emperor and established the Qing dynasty, 1644-1911, in China. Careful never to lose their nomadic roots, customs or language, the Qing rulers nevertheless adopted many of the values and cultural practices of their adopted homeland. Textiles, costumes and other objects of material culture from the dynasty reveal Manchu and native Han Chinese adherence to separate traditions and intermixtures of ideas and practices. The event is sponsored by the Lincoln and Dorothy Deihl Trust to celebrate the life of Dorothy Deihl.

* Ladies' Night at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21. Women can create chuang hua -- window flower -- paper cuttings. Chinese paper cutting, or Jianzhi, was invented during the Eastern Han Dynasty. The art form later spread to other parts of the world, with different regions adopting their own cultural styles. Dessert with an Asian flare will be served. The cost is $10 per person and reservations are required. Call 785-532-7718.

* The film "A Day on the Grand Canal with the Emperor of China" will be shown at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, and Sunday, May 8. Artist David Hockney takes viewers on a magical journey down a 72-foot-long, legendary 17th-century Chinese scroll.

* Textile Education Day will be 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 21. Bring in clothing or other textiles for an evaluation by department of apparel, textiles and interior design faculty and experts. The cost is $10 per person, with a limit of three items. Demonstrations of Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, music and other crafts will be available, and refreshments will be served. The event is coordinated by the Friends of the K-State Historic Costume and Textile Museum, the department of apparel, textiles and interior design, and the Chinese Student Support Council.

* All-University Open House activities at the museum will be 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 16. Activities include a scavenger hunt with prizes, art activities and snacks. Projects include decorative paper fans and dragon masks.