If you’ve ever strolled through the Flint Institute of Arts, you may have wondered what’s the story behind all those cool, incredible works of art. To explain specific pieces, the FIA has started Coffee with a Curator. It’s free to Genesee County residents, along with free coffee.
This month, the lectures will now include an ASL interpreter. Marissa Pierce, FIA Director of Development, says, “We wanted to reach out to the deaf and hard of hearing community because we feel it’s important here at the FIA to reach out to ALL members of the Genesee County Community.”
It’s all part of making the FIA more inclusive. According to Pierce, “We want them to come and have an amazing experience without any barriers.”
The first lecture comes from a part of their collection that’s really old, from the 1600s.
The first lecture is on March 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 in Isabell Hall at the FIA. It features Imperial Robes from the Qing Dynasty.
The robes are heavy and quite ornate. The story behind them, featuring the emperor that demanded they be worn, is all part of the lecture by Associate Curator Rachael Holstege.
“It’s a great opportunity to learn more about our permanent collection and pieces that have been with us a very long time,” says Pierce.
According to the FIA website, during the Qing Dynasty, all aspects of court attire followed strict guidelines laid out by the emperor. There were clear rules on what to wear on different occasions, what color you wore, and what designs could be worn. This talk will look at several imperial robes in the FIA’s collection, including two that are currently on view in the Arts of Asia gallery.
ASL Interpretation is made possible by the Ford Foundation Equity Fund of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
Looking to have an ASL interpreter at your upcoming events, conferences, concerts, or performances? Reach out to Communication Access Center to schedule interpreting services by calling 810.239.3112.