The New Westminster Museum and Archives presents their latest exhibit, Ornamenting the Ordinary: The Crafts of South Asia. Visitors will have a chance to learn about the artistic styles, craftsmanship, and craft traditions of South Asia’s many culturally diverse regions. The exhibition opens on September 10 (6 pm – 9 pm) with the Anvil Centre’s signature event, VIBE.
Running until January 2 in 2017, the travelling exhibition, on loan from the Royal Ontario Museum, spans Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. “Throughout the fall, we will have additional programs that delve into the amazing traditions of South Asia,” says Heritage Programmer Michelle Taylor. As well, adds Museum Curator Oana Capota, “We encourage local residents of South Asian background to tell us their stories and how their ancestral cultures thrive in New Westminster.” Over the next few months, the museum will record interviews to develop its archives about how different communities live in the city.
Showcased alongside the exhibition, local collectors contributed their own treasures. There are beautiful textiles from Afghanistan and India, decorated utensils from everyday life in India and Pakistan, as well as items that can be seen in local gurdwaras.
VIBE is a free event open to all ages. In celebration of the opening of Ornamenting the Ordinary, there will be a fashion show, Bhangra, Bharat Natyam (classical Indian dance), Bollywood performances and workshops, clothing, jewellery, art, henna, artefact displays, and much more. Special thanks to Kam ‘Singh Styles’ Bains, event coordinator, and all of our volunteers and vendors who have generously given their time to this event. The museum also acknowledges the support of the Government of Canada.
The New Westminster Museum is located at 777 Columbia Street on the third floor of the Anvil Centre, New Westminster. The museum is open to the public every day, 10 am - 5 pm (with extended hours on Thursdays to 8 pm). Admission is by donation. For more information, call 604-527-4640 or go to http://www.newwestpcr.ca/culture/museum_and_archives.php.
