Mathers Museum promotes cultural learning

The William Hammond Mathers Museum’s newest exhibit plays on the differences and similarities between cultures that are a world apart. \nThe exhibit, titled “Thoughts, Things, and Theories ... What Is Culture?” juxtaposes an American-style ranch house and a northern Nigerian compound home, both from the year 1967. The display is near life-size, and each of the residences features a few rooms. As the museum’s assistant director Judith A. Kirk pointed out, the two homes are very different, but provide a space for common tasks as well, such as cooking, sleeping and taking shelter. \nThe museum is named in honor of the generous contributions made by the Mathers family. William Hammond Mathers was an IU alumnus who died of cancer shortly after graduation. \nThe Mathers Museum is home to a variety of exhibits, events and programs showcasing different aspects of human culture. The museum is free to all and offers exhibits that travel to area schools free of charge. It is also the location for several classes, some that are closely related to or make use of the museum.\nIn addition to housing a collection of in-house exhibits, the Mathers Museum offers a variety of programs. Kirk described one such program being offered this summer, with help from the American Indian Student Association, about American Indian bead making and beadwork. Using a variety of different styles and techniques, the program aims to expose the Bloomington community to as many aspects of American Indian culture as possible while allowing for creativity as well. \nThe museum is also home to a number of different IU classes in fields such as anthropology, folklore and arts administration. Kirk explained that there are a number of other graduate-level classes and that many of the classes incorporate aspects of the museum as a part of the course material.\nThe Museum is also currently in charge of a traveling exhibit featuring a series of images titled the Wanamaker Series. Named for photographer Rodman Wanamaker, the exhibit is a large collection of photographs of American Indian life in the early 20th century. Sponsored by the Moveable Feast of the Arts Initiative and funded by the Lilly Endowment, the museum is able to take the exhibit to communities across Indiana to facilities such as schools and community centers where art museums may not be as easily accessible. \nThe museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is located at 601 E. Eighth St. Admission is free and attendance by university students, faculty and community members is encouraged. More information can be found on the Web or over the phone at 855-6873.