On Thursday, Sept. 19, the Davis Museum hosted “Fashioning Nature,” a pre-opening event ahead of the official opening of the museum to students.
The opening exhibition, “A New Perspective on Nature,” showcases artist Rory McEwen’s depictions of flora. It is the second event of its kind; the first was held last year and centered on white gloves – a motif in the life of the featured artist. This year, the activity revolved around wearable and decorative items inspired by nature, with some material contributions by the Wellesley Botanical Gardens and the Paulson Initiative.
“Fashioning Nature,” in the words of Dr. Semente, the museum’s curator of education and public programs, continues what is “kind of our new tradition to have to make something wearable right before an opening just for students.”
Inside of the museum’s lobby, several tables were set up and covered in crafting supplies. On one table sat faux flowers and pearl corsage bracelets, as well as small paper flowers, wire, and a hot glue gun. There, students crafted bracelets, bouquets and flower crowns. White hand mirrors and bucket hats were available to decorate at other tables; gemstones, stamps and paint allowed for personalization. The last table was scattered with cyanotype paper, ribbons, dried flowers and leaves. The processing pieces covered any remaining table space, and a few were placed in the sunlight outside of the museum.
Ursula Junker ’27, a returning student guide at The Davis, said that the event was “lovely to kick off the exhibition with a more hands-on experience.”
By already engaging students with the exhibit’s theme before the museum opens, the Davis both invited more discussion of the pieces and allowed for student creativity and relaxation through crafts.
According to Dr. Semente, the museum’s student assistants and guides were encouraged to reflect on nature in preparation for the museum’s opening, such as going on a nature walk together in the Botanical Gardens. Overall, the event seemed to fulfill both roles. Nana Ama Asare-Kwaah ’28 expressed being “really excited that the Davis [Museum] is going to open soon” and Mira Ivanis ’28 stated that she “thought it was a great way of bringing people together.”
The Davis Museum, featuring the exhibit “A New Perspective on Nature,” opens at 5pm on Thursday, Sept. 26, and will be available to see until Dec. 15, 2024.
Contact the editors responsible for this story: Norah Catlin, Ivy Buck
