Charleston, IL - An exhibition of beadwork traditions from Native American, African, Caribbean, and Mexican cultures is currently on view at the Tarble Arts Center, Eastern Illinois University through January 7. On display are 19th and 20th century beaded garments, bags, and other articles from Native American peoples of the Plains, Plateau, Subarctic, and Woodlands Culture Areas; pieces from West, south, and east African cultures; vintage and contemporary Haitian flags, and Huichol pieces from Mexico.

Many of the objects in this exhibition were produced to not only be functional, but to have a ceremonial significance as well.  The use of human, animal, and plant forms is consistent throughout the art of the indigenous Americans, emphasizing their reverence of the natural world.  The spiritual touched every aspect of these cultures, from the planting of corn and the hunting of animals to the burial of the deceased.  The beaded objects from Africa and Haiti reflect a similar connection to the natural world; some works reflect a belief system that centers on the crossroads between the natural and supernatural.

Co-curated by Dr. Martha Ehrlich, Professor of Art History at SIU-Edwardsville and Tarble Arts Center Curator of Education Kit Morice.

The Tarble Arts Center is located at Ninth Street and Cleveland Avenue on the Eastern Illinois University campus in Charleston. The Tarble Arts Center is partially funded by Tarble Arts Center membership contributions and by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.  Visit : www.eiu.edu/~tarble/