Osher Institute Holds Open House, Spring Preview

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas will launch a vibrant quilt exhibit and promote its spring courses at an open house from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4.

Guests will see more than 24 quilts and tools unique to the craft while enjoying refreshments in the art gallery in the lobby of the University of Arkansas Global Campus, 2 E. Center Street, Fayetteville.

The exhibit features works of 13 craftsmen who are members of the Son’s Chapel Quilters. It includes both hand-sewn and machine-sewn works, using both “pieced” and embroidered techniques. Various styles are featured.

Modern quilts express the craftsman’s artistic bent while creating a work with a practical application in the home. Historically, quilts have been found in Pharaoh’s tombs in Egypt, used by African-Americans during slave times to locate safe havens through the Underground Railroad, and handed down as heirlooms to preserve scraps of wedding dresses and other ceremonial garments. 

The quilt exhibit is free of charge to visitors from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and is part of the Global Campus’ ongoing mission to complement the growing art community in historic downtown Fayetteville.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers adults, ages 50 years and older, non-credit educational and enrichment opportunities in the arts and humanities under the auspices of the University of Arkansas. Courses for spring 2010 include computer classes, railroad outings, art and Native American studies, “The World of Pharaohs,” an opera series, book discussions, and Walton Arts Center programs and performances. Also new this spring will be a Saturday series of classes for adults age 50 years and older to accommodate those who are unable to attend weekday classes. For more information, visit the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute website or call Kathleen Dorn, institue coordinator, 479-575-4545.

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas is one of 120 lifelong learning programs nationwide to receive support from the Bernard Osher Foundation based in San Francisco, Calif.