Groovy Yurts
Feb 122009

 

Coming in March…an “art yurt” at the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum!

Janice Arnold at Cooper Hewitt

Janice Arnold

The Cooper-Hewitt exhibit Fashioning Felt, which runs from March 6 through Sept. 7, 2009, will feature a yurt installation by hand-felter Janice Arnold. Arnold (photo at right) will create a palace yurt, inspired by “the traditional dwelling of the tribal leader,” in the museum’s conservatory. The yurt will have a ceremonial entrance; the surrounding glass walls and ceiling of the conservatory will be draped in a soft, felted material of Arnold’s creation.

Cascading Felt

The Fashioning Felt exhibit provides a comprehensive overview of the uses of felt, with more than 70 works covering themes from historic examples and handmade felt innovations to contemporary industrial uses in fashion, architecture, product design and home furnishings.

The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum is located on Museum Mile at the corner of 91st Street and Fifth Avenue in New York City (2 East 91st Street).

Plans are being made for the exhibit to travel to various locations after the run in at the Cooper-Hewitt.

3 Responses to “and in New York (at Cooper-Hewitt)!”

  1. The “Fashioning Felt” exhibition at the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum is now open to the public. I’m the artist who has created the Palace Yurt within the conservatory, and I’m happy to report that it has been very well received. It seems to be the place everyone attending likes to spend their extra time! Like a real yurt, it is a very welcoming and comforting space. I purposely created wool and mohair bench pads so people could experience the wool rather than just look at it. I have traveled to Central Asia and Mongolia for research and inspiration, and this summer was lucky enough to spend 3 days with Dr. Baatchuluun, Felt scholar and author of a book (now out of print) called “Felt Art of the Mongols”. I bought your book as soon as it came out, it is very comprehensive and informative, I heartily recommend it. You can get more information on the Palace Yurt by going to the museum blog. There are some photos from installation on my website at http://www.jafelt.com.

  2. becky kemery says:

    Thank you, Janice! I took a look at the photos on your site and the exhibit looks stunning. I want felt like that for MY yurt…
    I’m just updating my book for its third printing and will see if I can add Dr. Baatchuluun’s book to the resources list. Thanks.
    Congratulations many times over on your exhibit!!!
    All the best,
    becky

  3. Mark Hering says:

    Becky, just want to say Hi! Great to read about your yurt book. Lived in a Pacific 30′ for a couple of years and loved it. If ever in the Port Townsend area would love to see you.
    Mark Hering
    An old pedestrian…….

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