Islands of Color: Polynesian Quilts February 12, 2011

Elaborate and vibrant quilts have been produced in Polynesia since the introduction of woven cloth to the Pacific in the early nineteenth century. Used for more than just decoration, quilts are part of their cultural fabric and play a major role in ceremonial traditions in Polynesia. Amongst their diverse social utilizations, they are given as gifts at weddings and baptisms, presented to important visitors, and used as funerary shrouds. Islands of Color: Polynesian Quilts features eight vibrant large-scale quilts that translate cultural themes and values into symbolic visual interpretations of the world around them. This exhibition highlights quilts recently given to the museum by Edward and Mina Smith of Rancho Santa Fe. Meet the curator of the exhibition Kristine Herman on Saturday, February 12 during an illustrated lecture at 2:00 p.m. The talk is free with museum admission and free for OMA members, students and military.

Official Website: http://www.oma-online.org