Rushnyky Exhibition Opening Reception

Thursday, February 15, 6:00–8:00pm
Members Free, Nonmembers $15

Purchase tickets in advance by calling 978.598.5000 x121. Ticket sales close on February 12.

Join us to mark the opening of our new special exhibition, Rushnyky: Sacred Ukrainian Textiles.
Franklin Sciacca, owner of the collection and curator of the exhibition, will talk about the rushnyk as artifact–its construction, regional variations, and functions as a ritual talisman in life transitions.

Rushnyky are ornamented textiles (sometimes referred to as “ritual towels”) that function at the core of many life-cycle ceremonies of the Ukrainian people. The presentation will explore the rushnyk as artifact–its basic construction as well as regional types and variations–with special focus on the function of these cloths as binding amulets and magical talismans, particularly in wedding and funeral rituals.

A reception with wine and hors d’oeuvres will follow the presentation.