I wanted to take my granddaughters to the Mitchell Museum of
the American Indian, but they seemed disinterested. “They’re having a fashion
show of Indian clothes,” I told them.
This got their attention and they were ready to leave within
minutes. I was simply following an old social work adage to meet people where
they’re at. Right now, alas, that is where they are.
The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian www.mitchellmuseum.org is located at
3001 Central Avenue in Evanston, Illinois. This small museum has many native
artifacts and artwork. Although the building is small, there is usually
something new to see there because they change their exhibits often. There are
also usually some exhibits that invite interaction making it a good place to
take children. If you check their website, you can see their schedule of
interactive art projects. The exhibit on Indian fashion opened in January and
will be there through May.
We enjoyed popping in and out of the tepee that is there
permanently. I have to say that it’s much easier for a five year old or seven
year old to do that than it was for me.
The exhibits of outfits, beadwork, and other jewelry were
impressive and we enjoyed looking at them as well.
At the end of the exhibit,
there is a place for would-be fashion designers to fashion their own designs
and display them. Near that is a sign discussing assimilation and separation as
it applies to fashion.
It would have been interesting to discuss that with my
three granddaughters who dress in Orthodox Jewish fashion. I’d love an
opportunity to arrange a meeting of Native Americans and Orthodox Jews to
discuss the issue. Maybe someday we’ll get that opportunity. In the meantime,
I’m glad that I had a chance to see the exhibit with my granddaughters. If you have an hour, I
suggest that you visit there, too.
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