Bahaari Collection, a New Collaboration

Bahaari Collection at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum

at Rollins College in Winter Park

This week is a happy week...

I have great news. News I could not wait to share with you all!! When I was at a local event in Orlando, just a few weeks ago, I was approached by a very nice lady. This lady told me she was in charge of the collection of a Museum shop in town and was interested to carry the Bahaari Collection in their gift shop.

Yes you can imagine the smile on my face when I heard the news too.. so no more waiting!! I am very pleased and honored to announce that you can find a selection of the Bahaari Collection at the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College in Winter Park as of this Friday, January 17th!

Not only this is an incredible news for me but also because, they are launching their new exhibition : “African Apparel: Threaded Transformations across the 20th Century”

Here is an excerpt from their program that I wanted to share: “This exhibition focuses upon items historically marginalized as women’s decorative works, and argues instead that by looking to how Africans of all genders have chosen to dress and adorn themselves reveals a more dynamic and inclusive visual history of the continent, one which features underrepresented voices, including women, the lower class, and immediate responses to shifting lived experiences.”

This is an exhibition that will transport you on a voyage through the fascinating African continent, where you’ll be discovering the most beautiful textiles, jewelry and accessories from different tribe and countries. Most of you have met me and you know how passionate I am about the wax print fabric and that I love to use them in my designs and the stories behind the prints. This collection at the Museum is a real concentration of what fascinates me in the cultures and traditions of the African continent.

I got a sneak peek of the exhibition when I met her at the Museum and I can tell you, I was instantly transported miles away on the other side of the ocean from South Africa to Tunisia and Mali and many more destinations. This is definitely an exhibition that gathers a vast collection of pieces to showcase the diversity and the many faces of the African continent. It’s actually the first exhibition in Central Florida that focus on African textiles and items of adornment. Lots of amazing memories came back from my North and Central African heritage and from my time in DR. Congo as well. I have created designs using the colors found on the exhibition pieces. You’ll find Shopper bags, fashion accessories and some of your favorite decor pieces for your interiors.

Not only you’ll learn about the African prints such as mud cloth, Shwe Shwe or the African Wax print that magnifies the Bahaari Collection, you’ll also discover the finest craftsmanship and arts like embroideries, beadwork that you can find on traditional attire worn at different life occasion.

I hope you’ll go and visit this unique exhibition and enjoy it as much as I do!!

xo,

Meriam

More information on the current exhibition called “African Apparel: Threaded Transformations across the 20th Century.”
At the Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins Collage can be found on their website

I hope you can join us and discover this exhibition, all are welcome!! And find the Bahaari pieces inside their Museum Shop.

Details:

Free admission
January 18 - May 17, 2020

Adress:
1000 Holt Avenue-2765
Winter Park, FL 32789