Travel the World Without Leaving HomeNew exhibit celebrates the artistry and cultural heritage of Boise’s refugee communities Boise, ID – The Idaho Historical State Museum invites you to experience the beauty of refugee traditional arts with the opening of a new exhibit, The Comforts of Home: Crafting a New Life in the Treasure Valley beginning March 20 and ending May 2, 2010. The exhibit highlights Somali Bantu embroidery, Burundi basketry, Bhutanese knitting, Burmese weaving and Bosnian crochet, among other art forms, created by master traditional artists who have settled in the Boise area. Other public programs during the exhibition include artist presentations, youth activities, an April First Thursday Refugee Advocacy Night, and an international cooking event. Event details will be posted on http://www.idahohistory.net/museum.html or pick up an event brochure at the Idaho State Historical Museum.The Comforts of Home is prepared by the Idaho Commission on the Arts’ Folk and Traditional Arts Program, in collaboration with the Idaho State Historical Museum and the Idaho Office for Refugees. The Idaho Commission on the Arts’ long-range plan counts support of newcomer arts and heritage among its core services. Michael Faison, ICA Executive Director, explains, "As an agency, we're here to assist in the state’s thriving cultural life. Through our Folk and Traditional Arts Program, we have seen that people who are new to our state come with a myriad of traditions that are integral to the everyday lifestyle that they experienced back home. As they integrate with Idaho society, from whatever country they come, to help them maintain a sense of who they are at their core you cannot separate their art and their life and their families and their commerce—it's all an integrated whole. Just as we're trying to sustain traditions that have long been here, we're trying to sustain traditions that are new to our state." Come meet your new neighbors and see firsthand the wealth of cultural traditions they bring to our community. The Idaho State Historical Museum is located in Boise’s Julia Davis Park at 610 N. Julia Davis Drive. Seasonal museum hours are Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday through April 30; Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m.– 5 p.m. May through September. Admission: $5 adults (13+), $4 seniors (65+), $3 children 6-12 and students with a valid student ID. On First Thursdays, the Museum is open by donation to the public from 5–9 p.m. For more information, call 334-2120. The Comforts of Hom e is funded in part by the Idaho Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Idaho State Legislature.About the Idaho State Historical Society: The ISHS is a state government agency with a goal of protecting the cultural heritage of Idaho by preserving historic and prehistoric resources and providing access to documents, artifacts, sites, and information of historic significance for the benefit and appreciation of the public. Dedicated to serving its statewide community, the agency carries out its mission through education programs, technical assistance, development of publications and exhibits, and by encouraging local, state and regional entities to preserve history. Learn more about ISHS at www.idahohistory.net
Visit this event's website for additional details: http://ishs.idaho.gov
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