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Message from the Curator
BOARD OF ADVISORS
Kathleen Beaulieu
Matthew Dattilo
Patrick Dorsey, S.J.
Marsha Goldstein
Nevin Hedlund
Virginia Hogan
Ellen Landgraf
Peter LoGiudice
Judy McCaskey
Denise Noell
Dr. Robert Roemer
Frank Novel
Adrienne Traisman
Debra Yates
This year LUMA is celebrating the tenth anniversary of
Art and Faith of
the Crèche: The Collection of James and Emilia Govan
. This unique holiday
exhibition, on view from November 14, 2017-January 6, 2018, showcases
crèches from around the world.
Art and Faith of the Crèche
has become a
holiday tradition for LUMA members, the Chicago community, and
out-of-town visitors.
The collection includes more than 500 crèches from 100 countries generously
donated to LUMA by James and Emilia Govan. The Govans began collecting
crèche more than forty years ago. James Govan stated “Initially, we were
intrigued by the endless and appeasing variations in which artists/artisans
created crèches, often reflecting their local culture.” Throughout the decades
coworkers and friends generously donated crèches to add to their ever
growing collection. As the Govans acquired more pieces, they became more
interested in the history and traditions of crèches from countries across
the globe.
Each year’s exhibition is distinct from the last, with a combination of old
favorites and new acquisitions. In honor of the tenth anniversary of
Art and
Faith of the Crèche
, LUMA commissioned artist Carlos Orozco from Oaxaca,
Mexico to design a crèche inspired by the Oaxacan art of
alebrijes
. Well-
known in Chicago, he creates
alebrijes
, brightly colored wood carvings of
mythical creatures and animals. In the spirit of celebrating cultural traditions
from around the world, we will host “Christmas in Oaxaca” on December
2nd. Visitors can enjoy regional snacks while artist Carlos Orozco shares
his favorite holiday traditions from Oaxaca and demonstrates his carving
technique. Later, on December 16th, we invite visitors to create their own
crèches out of recycled materials at a workshop lead by the Education and
Curatorial department.
To celebrate the tenth anniversary of
Art and Faith of the Crèche
, we will not
charge admission to our opening reception on December 1st. We hope you
will be able to join us for this festive event!
All of us at LUMA wish you a joyous and safe holiday season!
Sincerely,
Natasha Ritsma, PhD
Curator
Cover image:
Poland
, 2010, Boleslaw Parasion, painted wood. The James and Emilia Govan Crèche Collection, 2016:10-57.
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