East Meets West in TMA’s Summer Exhibition Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan

TYLER, TX—The Tyler Museum of Art casts an eye to the Far East as the venue prepares for its major summer exhibition, Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan.

The exhibition, opening to the public Sunday, June 7, and continuing through Aug. 16 in the Museum’s North Gallery, spotlights an array of kimono drawn from the celebrated collection of Jeffrey Montgomery, an American residing in Lugano, Switzerland, who is recognized throughout the globe as a peerless collector of Japanese arts and crafts. 

Montgomery’s collection is composed of more than 1,200 items, approximately 300 of which are textiles. This exhibition is drawn from that group, focusing on different varieties of kimono created in the late 19th- to mid-20th centuries.

Montgomery himself will be on hand to celebrate the exhibition’s opening during a members’ reception and preview scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6. For more information or to inquire about TMA membership in order to attend, call (903) 595-1001.

“The Museum has been trying for years now to book this extraordinary exhibition, selected from one of the most stunning and dynamic collections of its kind in the world,” said TMA Director Kimberley Bush Tomio. “Summer seemed the ideal time for such a rich and vibrant celebration of the elegance and timeless beauty that the Montgomery Collection represents, and we’re particularly honored to have Jeffrey here to help us launch what I’m sure will be an extremely popular exhibition that appeals to visitors of all ages.”

SPECIAL EVENTS

Special events in conjunction with the exhibition include an opening-day program as part of the TMA’s Spring Lecture Series, scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 7 in Tyler Junior College’s Jean Browne Theatre. Annie van Assche, independent curator and editor of the exhibition catalogue for Fashioning Kimono, will present a program titled “The Kimono and Western Dress in the Early 20th Century: A Revolution in Fashion,” with a book signing to follow at the TMA. Lecture tickets are free for Museum members, and cost $5 for students and seniors, and $7 for adult non-members (price includes admission to the exhibition).

Fashioning Kimono also will be the focus of the Museum’s First Friday Art Tours on July 3 and Aug. 7; a Family Day scheduled for Saturday, June 27, and a Seniors Day on tap Monday, June 29. Two Summer Art Camps also will spotlight the exhibition in hands-on activities for the young participants; Session I for children age 6-7 is set for July 6-10, with Session II for 8- and 9-year-olds scheduled for July 13-17. Spaces are still available; call (903) 595-1001 to register before June 15.

The exhibition is organized and circulated by Art Services International of Alexandria, Virginia, with support for the national tour and catalogue provided by The E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Foundation. Honorary Patron of the exhibition is His Excellency, Ichiro Fujisaki, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the United States of America.

Major underwriters for the Fashioning Kimono are Amy and Vernon Faulconer, and The Julietta Jarvis Foundation, with additional support provided by Agnes and Frank Ward, and Food Fast Convenience Stores. Collectors’ Circle Sponsors are June and Steve Hillis, Amy and Bill Lively, Bette King and Myrtis D. Smith. Corporate Member Sponsor is Southside Bank. Media Sponsor is KLTV – Channel 7. Underwriter for the opening lecture featuring Van Assche is Mildred H. Grinstead.

The Tyler Museum of Art, accredited by the American Association of Museums, is located at 1300 S. Mahon Ave., adjacent to the Tyler Junior College campus off East Fifth Street. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. (The Museum is closed Mondays and major holidays.) Lunch is available in the Museum Café from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and the TMA Gift Shop is open during exhibition hours. For more information, call (903) 595-1001 or visit www.tylermuseum.org.