The Art of Visual Narrative: Traditional Hmong Story Cloths and Textiles
April 28 to June 3, 2006

The Hmong have a strong visual narrative tradition expressed through beautiful textiles and clothing. To celebrate this unique form of communication, Minnesota Center for Book Arts, in partnership with the Hmong Cultural and Resource Center and Hmong Arts, Crafts and Books, offers an exhibition of Hmong story cloths and traditional textiles in the Open Book Lobby Gallery. The items on display, characterized by meticulous sewing, bright colors and ornate embellishments, demonstrates a unique iconography that conveys the Hmong peoples' rich heritage.

Associated Events on Saturday, May 20

Family Day: Create a Story Cloth
10 am to 1 pm
MCBA Studios

Explore the stories told on Hmong story cloths and use them as inspiration to make your own! Listen to NINE-IN-ONE GRR! GRR!, a folktale from the Hmong People of Laos read by MCBA faculty member and art teacher Ellen Ferrari. All ages welcome.

Hmong Cultural Center Presentation
1 to 2:30 pm
Marshall Fields Performance Hall, 2nd Floor of Open Book

Join us for a talk by representatives from the Hmong Cultural Center. The history, language and traditional crafts associated with the Hmong culture will be discussed.