Colorado State University Hosts Exhibit of Â??heavenly Garments’

Divya Vistra, or "Heavenly Garments," in the form of Indian saris will descend upon Colorado State University’s Curfman Gallery from Nov. 3-Dec. 12. The Indian Sari Exhibit will open with a reception at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Curfman Gallery, located in  the Lory Student Center.

The exhibition is the result of more than 18 months of planning and is designed to bring the splendor and wonder of Indian saris and the Indian culture to the campus and community, said Diane Sparks, Colorado State professor of design and merchandising and curator of the exhibit. More than 100 saris, traditional garments that are the signature of many Indian women, are on loan from the university’s Gustafson Historic Costume Collection and other private collections.

"The workmanship in the garments is exceptional," Sparks said. "This is not to be missed."

The exhibit also features photographs taken by members of the Colorado State University/Poudre School District Faculty Fulbright Study Seminar to India in January 2001.

"We’ve created a wonderful opportunity for students and the community to learn more about these traditional garments and the Indian culture," said Matthew Helmer, director of the Curfman Gallery. "We are fortunate to have faculty, staff and members of the Colorado State community who are dedicated to bringing an exhibit such as this to campus. Much effort has been put forth in creating a spectacular exhibit that will serve as the centerpiece of cultural learning throughout the fall semester."

The exhibition also is part of the university’s Office of International Program’s International Focus Semester Series. The series includes films and a forum exploring politics and globalization in contemporary India in addition to programs held as part of the exhibit. Brief remarks are planned as part of the opening reception, and a gallery talk on Indian textiles is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 10.

The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibit or gallery hours, call (970) 491-2810 or visit www.curfman.colostate.edu. For more information about the International Focus series, contact International Education in the Office of International Programs at (970) 491-5719 or go to www.international.colostate.edu.

The exhibit is sponsored and funded by the Lory Student Center, Asian Studies Advisory Board, Associated Students of Colorado State University, Department of Design and Merchandising, Indian Student Association and the Office of International Programs.

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