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Opening Reception: American Symbols Thursday, May 8, 5-7 PM |
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Subversive Symbols: Crafting Workshops First Thursdays of the month, 6-9 PM (June 5 and July 3)* |
Artist Travis Meinolf and others lead hands-on workshops to explore the power of symbols. Watch a demonstration, make your own symbol, and take it home with you. All ages welcome.
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Presentation and Book Signing Saturday, July 12, 2 PM* |
Author of two books, Kit Hinrichs will discuss the art of collecting and sign copies of his latest book, 100 American Flags: A Unique Collection of Old Glory Memorabilia.
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Family Activity Day: This Flag You Can Wear! Saturday, July 12, 2-4 PM* |
Create your own wearable flag in the colors of your favorite flag or one you invent. Family Activity Days led by our School Program staff accompany each exhibition and are designed to give families the opportunity to create together
Docent Tours
1 PM: First Tuesday of every month; 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month*
All events marked * are free with Museum admission.
For more information about these events, please call the Museum at (415) 227-4888.
Pictured in banner above:
Tattooed sailor William Roy, circa 1930
All images shown:
Reprinted with permission from 100 American Flags: A Unique Collection of Old Glory Memorabilia. Copyright © 2008 by Kit Hinrichs, Delphine Hirasuna, & Terry Heffernan, Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA. Photo Credit: Terry Heffernan.
AMERICAN SYMBOLS:
From Lady Liberty to the Stars and Stripes
Friday, May 9 – Sunday, August 3, 2008
The Museum of Craft and Folk Art presents American Symbols: From Lady Liberty to the Stars and Stripes, an exploration of the graphic history of the flag, the eagle, the shield, Uncle Sam, and Lady Liberty as used in craft, folk art, and design as well as Native American art, trade and popular art. The more than 75 fascinating items on display are owned by San Francisco resident Kit Hinrichs, an internationally renowned graphic designer and partner in Pentagram Design. Hinrichs has spent over 40 years seeking out intriguing objects to add to his remarkable collection. The Museum is honored to feature a portion of it in this exhibition.
Child's Fourth of July Parade Dress, 1918
Maker Unidentified
Cotton, silk
American symbols—especially the flag—are so prevalent in our visual culture that we often fail to notice their presence or think about the roles they play. Now, as candidates for office openly debate US military involvement abroad, it is especially appropriate to contemplate how such symbols have been used in the past and present to express the sentiments of Americans in times of war and peace, and in situations of celebration and protest. In addition to conveying overt or subliminal messages, they have been used as graphic elements to adorn a wide variety of decorative and utilitarian objects and—in the spirit of American entrepreneurship—to market goods. Above all, these symbols have been used as concrete representations of the artist’s or maker’s identification as American and as markers of patriotism and national pride—or righteous indignation. Contemporary artists in particular have integrated these symbols into works that present provocative interpretations, encouraging thoughtful dialogue.
Beginning with the flag made by his great-great-great aunt Ida Pepperkorn in 1865, Kit Hinrichs has spent over 40 years seeking out intriguing objects to add to his remarkable collection. As a member of a profession where creating graphic symbols is an important aspect of his work, he appreciates the challenge of coming up “with visual icons that evoke immediate recognition, emotional power, and universal meaning.” As a collector, his passion is the joy of discovering new and wonderful examples of American symbols that deepen his appreciation of our history, and the resourcefulness of the “designer” that resides in all of us, from artist to average citizen.
Collaged Flag, 1943
Maker Unidentified
Paper stamps and envelopes, ink
