The exhibition “Ancient/Modern: The Design of Everyday Things” reinforces the notion that many objects we use in our daily lives have ancient roots. American historical objects of daily life bear this out. From the preindustrial forms that were direct descendants of ancient equivalents to the mass-produced consumer goods we use and take for granted today, these daily life objects display a remarkable continuity in form and function. Drawing upon historical examples, Donna Braden will explore intriguing links along the chain from ancient to modern.

Not all of the items we use in our daily life were invented in our lifetime. Many have long and rich histories. Some have remained unchanged over thousands of years. The exhibition “Ancient/Modern: The Design of Everyday Things” will seek to introduce visitors to the concept that artifacts have existed for longer than they imagine, serving the needs of humans for millennia. In some cases, the concept from long ago proved so useful there was little need to improve its design. In others, the need remained, but the form was altered extensively. A selection from the Kelsey Museum collections will demonstrate these notions of change and tradition as they are compared and contrasted with their modern counterparts.

Friday, June 6, 6:00 pm- Exhibition opening lecture

“Ancient, Modern, or Somewhere in Between?”

by Donna Braden, Curator of Public Life, The Henry Ford Museum

7:00 pm- Exhibition opening reception

Sunday, June 8, 2:00 pm- Drop-in tour with exhibition curator

Sebastián Encina, Upjohn Wing entrance

Thursday, June 19, 5:30-6:30 pm- Tastes of the Mediterranean

with Vinology and Morgan & York; RSVP to attend

Sunday, July 20, 2:00 pm- Gallery conversation

with Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo of the Stamps School of Art & Design

Sunday, August 3, 2:00 pm- Gallery conversation

with Carla Sinopoli of the Department of Anthropology

Sunday, August 24, 2:00 pm- Drop-in tour with exhibition curator

Sebastian Encina, Upjohn Wing entrance

For more information, visit the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology website at: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/kelsey/aboutus/events/ci.exhibitionopeninglectureancientmodernorsomewhereinbetweenfri6jun2014_ci.detail