Posted on April 17, 2008
Lecture meant to assist educators in teaching elementary exam objectives
As she was describing her initial reluctance to teach about such a foreign civilization to third graders, Lynne Stover, of JMU’s Center for Economic Education, admitted, “When you’re forced to teach something, you will learn more than your students do. Now I know and appreciate more of the culture of Mali.”
This is the purpose of the Culture Klatsch series, which premiered Monday night in Festival’s Highlands Room. The first presentation featured a lecture and discussion panel on different aspects of African culture.
The Culture Klatsch series was designed to target the six cultures in Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOLs): Egypt, Greece, China, Mali, West Africa and Native Americans, according to Kate Stevens, coordinator of the series.
Stevens thinks it’s important for everyone to participate in the Culture Klatsch series, but she also wants future and current teachers to attend. So while the lectures discuss topics pertinent to the SOLs, they are geared toward IDLS majors, as well as current teachers and professors.
“We really are directed toward educational outreach,” said Stevens, who is also the director of the Madison Art Collection.
Stevens said she will be doing a lot more outreach to JMU students for future Culture Klatsch sessions.
“For example,” Stevens said, “If you’re taking a class in African Studies or you’re just simply interested, we want you to come here as a chance to informally talk about these cultures with professors in the field.”
The speakers of the first Culture Klatsch presentation and panel were Jennifer Coffman, of the Office of International Programs; Lynne Stover, of the Center for Economic Education; David Owusu-Ansah, African Studies professor; and Ian Mclean, professor of Philosophy of Religion.
“I was excited to get four different people together from different disciplines who could address one area,” Stevens said.
Key points of Monday’s lecture included Islam’s role in some African countries as well as African trading and economics. Once the four speakers presented, the floor was opened for questions from an audience of about 25, and a discussion panel ensued.
Junior art history major Nikki Morris attended the lecture and “loved it, because [the speakers are] obviously interested in what they’re doing and it’s not like they have to talk about Mali, it’s like their jam.”
The series will continue for the next three semesters, with two panels a semester, each featuring a distinct culture. The next culture featured in the Culture Klatsch series will be the Native Americans in late September.
South African art exhibit represents natives’ struggle for human rights
“Human rights lie at the very heart of a democracy.”
These are the words of the Most Rev. Desmond Tutu, penned into the foreword of South Africa’s Bill of Rights. Desmond Tutu has become an everyday name around campus since he came here last semester, said Tina Griffin, The Gallery’s publicity intern.
Now, the spotlight is shining on South Africa in The Gallery at Festival.
The featured Gallery exhibit, “Images of Human Rights: South African Prints,” celebrates the nation’s post-Apartheid status.
Each clause of the Bill of Rights is beautifully illustrated into woodcuts, linocuts and superwood cuts. The pieces manifest clauses regarding Freedom of Movement and Residence, Access to Information, Human Dignity, Children’s Rights, Cultural Association and more.
The etchings featured in the exhibit were created by artists in nine of South America’s provinces and hand printed by master printmaker Jan Jordaan in 1996, according to the Michigan State University Museums Traveling Exhibition Service’s Web site.
“The exhibit is almost minimalist…but it’s really gotten a lot of people to come because it’s very welcoming,” Griffin said.
Hinting the stark struggles South Africans faced against Apartheid rule, the fine art pieces depict the cries for freedom and celebrate the liberation of the citizens. The black and white prints blend nicely with the monotone walls and hanging panels, highlighting the gravity of the South African’s situation.
Griffin said, “We try to bring things into the exhibit that are different but we can entice not only students but teachers and local community members as well.”
“Images of Human Rights: South African Prints” will be showcased until May 1.
The exhibit will make its way through parts of the country, thanks to Michigan Humanities Council’s Arts and Humanities Touring Program. It has been already shown in New Mexico, Michigan and Washington.
All of the funds generated go to organizations like Amnesty International for the sake of young people’s education about human rights in South Africa.
