'Salaam! Welcome!' Exhibit Features Middle Eastern Items September 4-27

SALISBURY, MD---A white wedding? Not necessarily for many Middle Eastern cultures, where colorful bridal gowns are a reflection of cultural beliefs.

Gowns, some of which have been displayed at the Kennedy Center, along with jewelry, textiles and other traditional items from countries including Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Afghanistan are on display September 4-27 in the University Gallery of Salisbury University’s Fulton Hall.

The exhibit, “Salaam! Welcome! The Frank and Anne Seymour Collection: Artifacts of Everyday Life From the Islamic World,” showcases the decorative material culture of the region collected by the Seymours, now Maryland residents, during their 25 years living and teaching in the Middle and Far East. A reception is 5-7 p.m. Friday, September 4.

Included are traditional furnishings, baskets, pottery, handicraft items, daggers, rugs, photographs and artwork. A bronze falcon statue, on loan from SU’s Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, complements a selection of falconing tools. Other exhibit items, such as cooking pots, saddles and a water wheel, highlight daily life in these regions.

Sponsored by the Office of Cultural Affairs, Art Department, World Artist Experiences, Inc., and several Arab embassies, the exhibit is part of SU’s “The Arts and Culture of the Arab World” fall cultural events series. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, noon-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, closed Mondays and holidays.

Admission is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6271 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.