National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library - Media Kit for Embellished Textiles

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Embroidering and embellishing everyday textiles used in the home and creating elaborate ceremonial textiles have long been women’s arts in the Czech and Slovak lands. An original exhibition at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library explores this rich heritage passed from generation to generation featuring over 100 examples of lushly adorned linens, ritual cloths, and clothing. Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! opens Saturday, April 8 and closes October 1, 2006.

"This exhibition features many never-before-seen items from our extensive collection," says Gail Naughton, president/CEO. "The array of different embellishment techniques and objects is stunning. It shows how the most common items were transformed into extraordinary adornments for the home and family."

An important Czech and Slovak village tradition was a girl’s preparation for her wedding by the creation of decorated bed cloths, linens and wedding ensemble. These formed her dowry to be presented to the entire village on the bride’s wedding day. Decorative and protective motifs were incorporated in the ceremonial cloths, reflecting legends passed down through generations of women to ward off evil spirits. As part of opening weekend festivities, "Lifting the Lid on the Dowry Chest, a ladies' brunch, will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 8. Reservations are required. For more information, call (319) 362-8500.

Highlights of the exhibition include a dazzling gold and silver beaded christening cloth, magnificent appliqued sheepskin jackets, elaborate embroidered and beaded wedding caps, shawls, bed linens, and elegant bobbin, knitted, and crocheted lace. In addition, several items are on loan from the Helen Zemek Baine and Helene Baine Cincebeaux Collection, known for its Slovak and Czech folk dress and textiles.

Several programs are being offered to complement the exhibit. June 8, 9 & 10 the museum presents Living with Beauty: Creating and Caring for Embellished Textiles, a workshop and symposium. A cross-stitch sampler workshop inspired by textiles in the exhibit by well-known embroiderer Judith Gulik is on June 8. Friday, June 9 features presentations about the rich Czech and Slovak textiles and traditions, their original uses, and the meanings behind their symbols by noted experts Helene Cincebeaux and Mary E. Kelly. Renowned lace expert Elizabeth Kurella shares the long history and contemporary tradition of Czechoslovak lace. NCSML curator Edith Blanchard and collections manager Stefanie Kohn provide valuable information about the care and preservation of heirloom textiles and tours of the NCSML Collections Center. Saturday, June 10 will be a care and identification clinic with presenters. Call Jan at 319-362-8500 for more information or to register for the symposium.

Five original embroidery and lace patterns inspired by items in the exhibition have been created for sale in the museum store. Pattern classes for each item are offered over the course of the exhibition.

Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! opens April 8 and runs through October 1, 2006. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, noon to 4:00 p.m. Starting May 1, galleries will also be open Mondays 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lace and embroidery demonstrations, provided by local lace and embroidery guilds, will take place each Saturday during the exhibit.

Apr. 8 – Oct. 1, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! An outstanding art exhibition that celebrates life! Embroidering and embellishing everyday textiles used in the homes and creating elaborate ceremonial textiles have long been women’s arts in the Czech and Slovak lands. This stunning original exhibition explores a rich heritage passed generation to generation featuring over 100 examples of lushly adorned linens, ritual clothes, and clothing. Highlight include a dazzling gold and silver beaded christening cloth, a magnificent appliqued sheepskin jacket, exquisitely beaded and embroidered wedding caps, shawls, and bed linens, and some of the finest examples of bobbin, knitted, and crochet lace. Petrik Gallery. Free to members or with paid admission to the gallery

Apr. 7, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Opening Reception. Celebrate the opening of this exquisite, original exhibition from the collection of the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library. Wine and cheese, ethnic music, embroidery and lace demonstrations. By invitation. 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Exhibition closes October 1, 2006.

Apr. 8, 2006: Lifting the Lid on the Dowry Chest. Women's life passages (wedding, birth, christening) are revealed through the textiles in her dowry chest. Powerpoint presentation and talk by curator and guided tour through the exhibit. Traditional Czech pastries, coffee, tea. Space is limited. To reserve your seat at the table or for more information, call (319) 362-8500. 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. WFLA Heritage Hall. Fee..

Apr. 8, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). Cindy Monroe, NCSML Guild member, leads a make-and-take rag rug making activity. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free with paid admission to the gallery.

Apr. 15, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration) by the Doris Southard Lace Guild. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Apr. 20, 2006: Learn at Lunch presents Out of the Box. Current director of development and former curator Carmen Langel presents "Over the Top: Baby Bonnets, Wedding Caps, and Headscarves." The special show-and-tell series features more spectacular, favorite textiles from the NCSML collection. Enjoy your lunch, and see more spectacular items Out of the Box. Noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Free. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

Apr. 22, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). Cindy Monroe, NCSML Guild member, leads a make-and-take rag rug making activity. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Apr. 22, 2006: Embellished Textiles: Absolutely Art! Gallery Tour. Take a tour of the latest special exhibition with collections manager Stefanie Kohn. 2:00 p.m. Meet in Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Apr. 27, 2006: Embellished Textiles: Absolutely Art! Gallery Tour. Take a tour of the latest special exhibition with collections manager Stefanie Kohn. 2:00 p.m. Meet in Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Apr. 29, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

May 6, 2006: Embellished Textiles Class, Embroidered Lace. Learn to make a form of embroidered lace based on a pattern from a Slovak scarf in the NCSML collection. Students will work on even weave fabric to create a mesh and needle woven snowflake pattern. This class is suitable for beginners, limit 20 people. Students must bring fine, sharp-pointed scissors. Designer and Instructor Robin Rossignol. 9:00 a.m. – noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Materials fee $15.00, instructor fee $11.00. Call (319) 362-8500 to register.

May 13, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

May 20, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). Cindy Monroe, NCSML Guild member, leads a make-and-take rag rug making activity. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

May 20, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 1:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

May 25, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 2:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

June 2 & 3 2006: Fancywork and Finery Tea Party. Wear your finest and enjoy a unique experience at the NCSML. The tea party includes a guided tour of Embellished Textiles: Absolutely Art!, a presentation on the textiles in a dowry chest, and a delightfully tasty tea. Door prizes and a raffle are included in the fun. Limited seating. Reservations required by May 26, 2006. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. WFLA Heritage Hall. Fee for members $14.00, non-members $16.00. Groups of 8 or more $14.00 per person. To register or for more information, call Tara at (319) 362-8500.

June 8, 2006: Living with Beauty: Creating and Caring for Embellished Textiles. Learn from EGA certified embroiderer Judith Gulick. Gulick created a pattern exclusively for this workshop from a piece found in the NCSML’s collection. Box lunch optional. Space is limited to 25 students, at any level. For more information, call (319) 362-8500. 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. WFLA Heritage Hall.

June 9, 2006: Living with Beauty: Creating and Caring for Embellished Textiles. Join us as we learn more about the rich textiles from the Czech and Slovak Republics. Discover their original uses, and the meanings behind their symbols with Mary E. Kelly and Helene Cincebeaux. Renowned lace expert Elizabeth Kurella shares the long history and contemporary tradition of Czechoslovak lace. NCSML curator and collections manager, Edith Blanchard and Stefanie Kohn, provide valuable information about the care and preservation of heirloom textiles. The fee includes admission and guided tours of Embellished Textiles: Absolutely Art!, Homelands: The Story of the Czech and Slovak People, and the NCSML collection care center. Coffee, kolace, box lunch are included; dinner optional. For more information, call (319) 362-8500. WFLA Heritage Hall.

June 10, 2006: Living with Beauty: Care and Identification Clinic. Panelists Helene Cincebeaux, Edith Blanchard, Elizabeth Kurella, and Judith Gulick share their expertise. Attendees are allowed to bring three pieces for discussion and individual consultation. For more information, call (319) 362-8500. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. WFLA Heritage Hall. $25.00.

June 10, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). Cindy Monroe, NCSML Guild member, leads a make-and-take rag rug making activity. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

June 10, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 2:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

June 15, 2006: Learn at Lunch presents Out of the Box. Curator Edith Blanchard presents "From Cradle to Childhood: Textiles for Children." The special show-and-tell series features favorite textiles from the NCSML collection. Enjoy your lunch, and see more spectacular items Out of the Box. Noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Free. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

June 15, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 2:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

June 17, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

June 24, 2006: Embellished Textiles Class. Designer and Instructor Sally Harms will teach students to do a chain stitch motif from a pattern inspired by a piece found in the NCSML collection. Beginner level class. 9:00 a.m. – noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Instructor fee $10.00 and materials fee $8.00. Call (319) 362-8500 to register.

June 24, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

July 1, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

July 6, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 2:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

July 8, 2006: Embellished Textiles Class. Designer and Instructor Cindy Baldwin will teach students a satin stitch pattern inspired by a piece found in the NCSML collection. All level of students welcome Limit 12 students. Students to bring fine, sharp-pointed scissors. 9:00 a.m. – noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Instructor fee $10.00 and materials fee $26.00. Call (319) 362-8500 to register.

July 15, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 10:00 a.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

July 15, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration) by the Doris Southard Lace Guild. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

July 15, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). Cindy Monroe, NCSML Guild member, leads a make-and-take rag rug making activity. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free with paid admission.

July 15, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 2:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

July 20, 2006: Learn at Lunch presents Out of the Box. "Making a House a Home: Textiles We Live With" by curator Edith Blanchard. The special show-and-tell series features favorite textiles from the NCSML collection. Enjoy your lunch, and see more spectacular items Out of the Box. Noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Free. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

July 22, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

July 29, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Aug. 5, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Aug. 5, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 2:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

Aug. 12, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). Cindy Monroe, NCSML Guild member, leads a make-and-take rag rug making activity. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Aug. 17, 2006: Learn at Lunch presents Out of the Box. Edith Blanchard, Stefanie Kohn, and Carmen Langel present "A Few of My Favorite Things." The trio is intimately familiar with the textiles in the NCSML collection. Enjoy your lunch, and see more spectacular items Out of the Box. Noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Free. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

Aug. 17, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 2:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

Aug. 19, 2006: Embellished Textiles Class, Bobbin Lace. Designed by Rebecca Rousch and Instructor JoAnne Pruitt. Students will make bobbin lace designed from a pattern found in the NCSML collection. Intermediate level class for 6 students. Students need to bring their own materials, including wound bobbins and pillows. Additional information provided during registration. 9:00 a.m. – noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Instructor fee $11.00 and materials include pricking and diagram. Call (319) 362-8500 to register

Aug. 19, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration) by the Doris Southard Lace Guild. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Aug. 26, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Sept. 9, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). Cindy Monroe, NCSML Guild member, leads a make-and-take rag rug making activity. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Sept. 14, 2006: Learn at Lunch. Czech Feather and Down Co. by Cookie Vanous (tentative). Noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Free. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

Sept. 14, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 2:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

Sept. 16, 2006: Embellished Textiles Class, Needle Weaving and Drawn Thread Work. Bookmark inspired by child's blouse in the NCSML collection. Designer and Instructor Sally Olsen will teach students to make a bookmark using drawn thread work and needle weaving techniques. The bookmark pattern was taken from child’s blouse found in the NCSML collection. Intermediate level class, i.e. some stitching experience required. Limit to 12 students. Students are required to bring fine, sharp-pointed scissors. 9:00 a.m. – noon. WFLA Heritage Hall. Instructor fee $10.00 and materials fee $9.00. Call (319) 362-8500 to register.

Sept. 16, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration) by the Doris Southard Lace Guild. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Sept. 23, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Sept. 30, 2006: By Hook, Needle, or Bobbin (Embroidery or Lace Demonstration). Cindy Monroe, NCSML Guild member, leads a make-and-take rag rug making activity. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hruska Grand Hall. Free for museum members or with paid admission to the gallery.

Sept. 30, 2006: Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art! Curator Tour. Take a guided tour with a member of the NCSML curatorial staff. Hruska Grand Hall. 2:00 p.m. Free to museum members or with paid admission to the gallery. Sponsored by United Fire Group.

High-resolution version of this image	Belt Cicmany, Slovakia, Late 20^th Century This fine leather belt has been embellished using leather roping, metal buckles and studs, and imprinting. 2004.22.50 Donated to the NCSML by John and Catherine Postemski
High-resolution version of this image	Leather Vest Hel’pa Region, Slovakia The sheepherding tradition of Slovakia are reflected in this vest. The vests are made of sheepskin with the wool kept on the inside to provide warmth for the wearer. 2003.86 Donated to the NCSML by John and Catherine Postemski
High-resolution version of this image	Leather Jacket Slovakia, Mid 20^th Century This Slovak jacket has been heavily appliqued with small colored pieces of leather. Such applique work is difficult due to the thickness of the leather and is often done by men. On loan from the Helen and Robert Kindt Collection
High-resolution version of this image	Goldwork Cuff Slovakia, Early 20^th Century In many regions of Slovakia gold thread is wrapped around pieces of leather and applied to lace. The result is raised gold embroidery that can be found on sleeves, scarves, and caps. The goldwork is not washable, so when a garment is soiled or worn the goldwork is lifted and reapplied to a clean surface. Often very old goldwork can be found on new garments, having been recycled. On loan from the Helen and Robert Kindt Collection
High-resolution version of this image	Headscarf Chodsko Region, Bohemia, Czech Republic, Mid 20^th Century Although the women of the Chodsko region are known for wearing folk costumes that are more varied, headscarves that are each uniquely embroidered with floral motifs are a staple for each woman in the village. 2005.81.16 Donated to the NCSML by Karen Piovaty
High-resolution version of this image	Lace Scarf Slovakia, Mid 20^th Century The making of bobbin lace is a very time consuming and technical task. An experienced bobbin lace maker can create about 1 inch of lace an hour. Like many, this scarf has lace only applied to half for perhaps this reason. When folded in half to wear, the bottom would not be seen and appreciated. On loan from the Helen and Robert Kindt Collection
High-resolution version of this image	Shoes Hana Region, Moravia, Czech Republic, c. 1940 No detail is too small when creating a kroj, or folk costume. Although the long dress of this region means the feet barely show, the wearer’s feet were adorned with these elaborate shoes. Dyed leather is applied and laced through decorative holes in the shoes. 2005.111 Donated the NCSML by Veronique Firkusny-Callegari
High-resolution version of this image	Doll Cap United States, c. 1930 Even dolls are given their own festive wear. Kroje, or folk costumes, were created even for the playthings of the smallest of village residents. This Slovak cap was one of an entire ensemble made for an immigrant girl by her mother. 2004.104.9 Donated to the NCSML by Mary Tausinger
High-resolution version of this image	Doily Detva, Slovakia, Late 20^th Century This particular style of embroidery is known to come from the region of Detva. Examples of it appear on almost any article of daily life from doilies to table cloths to bed linens. On loan from the Helen and Robert Kindt Collection
High-resolution version of this image	Logo for *Embellished Textiles – Absolutely Art!*