WAM showcases ancient Egypt in ‘Jewels of the Nile’
The magnificence of ancient Egypt comes to brilliant life through jewelry — the most precious and personal of human possessions — in “Jewels of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Treasures from the Worcester Art Museum.”
On view June 18 through Jan. 29, the expansive exhibition is timed to open 100 years after the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s — King Tut — tomb.
The exhibit puts the WAM’S expansive collection of early Egyptian jewelry on view for the first time in a century. Remarkable for its breadth and quality, the collection was assembled by Kingsmill Marrs, who died in 1912, and Laura Norcross Marrs (1845-1926) and given to WAM by Mrs. Marrs.
“Jewels” showcases
300 objects ranging from tiny beads and gems to large sculptures from the WAM’S other Egyptian holdings.
Through the Marrs’ friendship with British archaeologist Howard Carter, the exhibition also delves into the materials and techniques used to create personal adornments, style’s evolution through the centuries and the early 20th- century phenomenon of Egyptomania sparked by archaeological exploration in that region
Interactive components and interpretive programs will help visitors of all ages explore and experience the fascinating ancient Egyptian culture. For tickets, programs and more info, visit worcesterart.org/exhibitions/jewels- of-the-nile/.
Gallery notes
IN STITCHES » Save the dates for upcoming talks this summer at the New England Quilt Museum on Shattuck Street in downtown Lowell. At 11 a.m. June 25, the NEQM welcomes award-winning quilt artist and instructor Marge Tucker to share her more than 25 years as a quiltmaker. Her talk, sponsored in part by Quilter’s Connection, is presented in conjunction with the Genre Gallery exhibition “String Theory: String-pieced Quilts from Past to Present.” At 11 a.m. July 16, Dominique Ehrmann will give a talk that highlights her major works in “Tradition to Innovation” and discuss her development of new techniques that have helped her evolve from a selftaught quilt maker to a sophisticated fabric sculptor and fiber engineer. Visit neqm.org/calendar for details.
LOWELL SCENE » Check out the many artists at work and purchase some of their handmade creations this Saturday at Lowell’s Western Avenue Studios monthly Open Studios from noon to 5 p.m. And while you’re on the campus, stop by the Loading Dock Gallery for the 3-5 p.m. reception for “Full Bloom IV,” its colorful, flower-filled June show. It’s all happening at WAS, 122 Western Ave., Lowell. … The Greenwald Gallery at the Arts League of Lowell, 307 Market St., holds a reception, 3-5 p.m. on Saturday for “Inappropriate: The Artwork of M.M. Moyer.” The show runs to June 19, and the gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Recommended for an adult audience. Visit artsleagueoflowell.org.
ICONIC DIRECTOR » Dutch art historian and icon expert Simon Morsink takes over as the new executive director of the Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton on July 1. Morsink, current director of the Morsink Icon Gallery in Amsterdam, replaces founding director Kent Russell, who recently announced his retirement after 16 years at the helm. “I look forward to strengthening the museum’s role as a crossroads for dialogue on the fascinating world of icons and orthodox art, and their place in world culture,” he
said. For more info, visit museumofrussianicons.org/simon-morsink-3/.