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Sacred Treasures:  Religious Traditions, Rites and Rituals

BBAC 2015

At this difficult time for our world, with misunderstanding, misinformation, distortions, extremism and hatred involving and aimed at our many faith traditions, it is critically important that members of our community be given the opportunity to learn about and better understand the similarities, differences, and unique practices of some of the faith communities within Metropolitan Detroit.

The objects included in the exhibition Sacred Treasures are those used and/​or worn in the practice of faith traditions. These include among others head coverings, vestments, jewelry, prayer rugs, prayer books, sculpture, burned offerings and wall hangings. Those faiths represented are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Baha’i and Native American. Objects have been loaned by members of the IFLC board and friends of IFL such as Temple Israel, The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit, and Islamic Organization of North America, IONA.

The exhibition is being curated by artist, IFLC board member, and University of Michigan professor Nancy Thayer. It is a joint program with the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) in Birmingham.

As a member of the IFLC board and the Education Committee it is my intention to bring to the Metropolitan Detroit community greater awareness and understanding of these faith traditions through the objects that are used in each,” says Thayer. By collaborating with the BBAC we are able to reach a new audience and further our goals including promoting interfaith education so that the metropolitan Detroit community can benefit from the synergies and creative benefits that knowledge and understanding can provide, and encouraging and nurturing interfaith groups and networks.” 

On January 24, the exhibition will open with a public reception from 6 — 8 pm, where members of each faith community will be present to greet attendees and answer questions. The reception is free and all are welcome to attend. 

Sacred Treasures
Curated by Nancy Thayer
Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center
1516 Cranbrook Road, Birmingham, MI 48009

Exhibition Dates: January 23 — March 272015
Reception: Saturday, January 24 from 6 — 8 pm