Cabinets of Curiosity: Goldstein Museum of Design
Tue, Nov 7 2023, 1pm
The material world we live in is shaped by design. While popular discussions of design typically focus on fashion and furniture, design is fundamental in art, architecture, and indeed nearly all aspects of the everyday world around us. Slowing down to observe, we find seemingly endless evidence of the innovativeness born in human imagination and collaboration.
The Goldstein Museum of Design, in the College of Design, had its origin in textiles collected by two world-traveling sisters, Harriet and Vetta Goldstein. Today it encompasses the original base of international fabrics but attends as well to material objects constructed of plastic and metals. With objects including Christian Dior fashions, Navajo rugs, and Wedgwood china, this museum has something to interest everyone. Researchers find rare and representative materials for their studies in history, art, and culture, while students are introduced to the possibilities of object-centered learning.
The event is free but registration is required. Event size is limited so register soon. See parking information.
On November 7, 2023, from 1 to 2:30 pm, the Cabinets of Curiosity series will take us to McNeal Hall on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus in St. Paul, where curator Jean McElvain will demonstrate and discuss some of the Goldstein’s fascinating and often unexpected holdings before we walk through the current gallery exhibit. After the tour, those interested will convene for conversation and refreshments.
Can’t attend this time? Look for more Cabinets of Curiosity outings in the coming months, including a visit to the Department of Entomology insect collection and the Natural History Library on February 8.
Questions are welcome to Sally Gregory Kohlstedt ([email protected]), Jan Morlock ([email protected]), or Cathy Lee Gierke ([email protected]).
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
Autumn is a wonderful season in Minnesota so plan to join UMRA at the Andersen Horticultural Library at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Kristen Mastel, head librarian and curator, will reveal its treasure trove of publications and artifacts relating to plant history, horticulture, and natural history. After the tour, those who are interested may stay to eat lunch together, sitting outside if the weather is nice. Later, you are invited to a one-hour tram tour of the entire Arboretum that includes natural areas of flowering shrubs, bogs, and forests, family garden and landscaping showpieces, and the red barn farm
After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.