By Grace Reiman
This fall, students in the University of Nebraska- Lincoln's four-week experiential course, "Anthropology 292: Stitching Culture: U.S. - Japan Quilt Exhibit Collaborative" collaborated internationally to curate an all-new quilt exhibit, "Stitching and Sharing Culture: Molas from Panama's Guna People". Their exhibit, displayed at the International Quilt Museum (IQM) from September 15 to November 15 in the IQM's Beavers Terrace Gallery, is the result of a global cooperative between UNL and Japan's Saitama University. Through this experiential process, students learned about the rich history of the mola, textile art created by the Guna people. The students learned not only about the cultural and traditional significance of molas, but also the process of curation and exhibition.
"Stitching and Share Culture: Molas from Panama's Guna People" was created to give UNL students a global experience locally, "ANTH 292", developed by Emira Ibrahimpašić, an associate professor of practice in the School of Global Integrative Studies. In cooperation with Saitama professor and Nebraska alum Nao Nomura; Marin Hanson, IQM's curator of international collections; and Professor Ibrahimpašić, the first collaboration between SGIS and the IQM was created, supported by a grant from Global Experiences. Through a connection made in Marin's time serving as visiting instructor earlier this year at a university in Japan, an opportunity was gained for nine students and a faculty member from Saitama University to spend two weeks in Nebraska to participate in an internship at the IQM. UNL and Saitama students were able to learn about exhibit design and textiles side by side, offering a multidimensional cultural learning experience.
Ibrahimpašić and students in ANTH 292 created an enriching itinerary complete with a Welcome Picnic, trips to other museums in Lincoln, a tour of the state capitol, and instruction in museum curation in the IQM galleries.
Here's a behind the scenes perspective into the Japanese students' two-week experience!
September 4:
The students had a great time at the Welcome Picnic to honor guests from Saitama University.
Image via twitter.com/unlglst.
September 5:
"ANTH 292: Stitching Culture: U.S.- Japan Quilt Exhibit Collaborative is having their first dinner after a long day of working on the exhibit. Thank you @intlquiiltmuseum for hosting our class this fall. Experiential learning in action."
Image via twitter.com/unlglst.
September 7:
Continuing their exploration under the guidance of Ibrahimpašić and Marin, students worked on the installation, signage, and interpretation of molas.
Image via twitter.com/unlglst.
September 8:
"Today students learned how to handle and care for quilts, different types of jobs available at a museum, and continued their work on the Mola exhibit."
Image via twitter.com/unlglst.
September 11:
Students enjoyed a final Global Cafe: Coffee and Conversation Hour with guest students from Saitama University. Coffee and pastries were enjoyed during chats in the Louise Pound Hall Second Floor Lounge.
Image via twitter.com/unlglst.
September 12:
"Today ANTH 292 students pinned the quilts, prepped the exhibit and had a discussion about what makes an engaging exhibit. Only 3 more days until the opening. See you all Friday at 4:30 for the grand opening. All are welcome!"
Image via twitter.com/unlglst.
September 14:
Students say goodbye to their Saitama guests. "It has been such a joy and a privilege getting to know these amazing young people from Saitama University in Japan. They are kind, hard-working and fun. We have loved having you at UNL and hope you all return some day."
Image via twitter.com/unlglst.
September 15:
A reception was held to commemorate the opening day of the exhibit with brief presentations by the students to introduce their display. This event was held in conjuction with the celebration of Welcoming Week, an annual, worldwide, event that invites communities to increase commitment to inclusivity.
Image via International Quilt Museum Facebook.
The College of Arts and Sciences strives for every student to engage in experiential learning and we are so grateful to Emira Ibrahimpašić, Nao Nomura and Marin Hanson for facilitating and teaching this experience. We also extend a special thanks to Global Experience for funding this collaborative.
There are always new opportunities for experiential learning with CAS through internships, research, service projects, and education abroad.
Check out the college's Experiential Learning webpages to follow your passion and do big things.
