Exhibits

In addition to changing focus exhibits, the Museum's Feature Galleries offer artifacts, stories, and information about the Ancient Mediterranean, Africa, Asia, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas.

Acquired by anonymous donors over many years, the People’s Collection was presented to the Spurlock as a gift to benefit the people of the United States. As described by the donors, "The collection has been assembled with the object of preserving widely shared experiences that were important in shaping a sense of community and nation in the United States." As this collection covers several topics that span both American and World history, we have selected to display objects addressing two particular topics: women’s suffrage and nineteenth century electoral campaigns.

The Spurlock Museum celebrates creativity, inspiration, and fiberworking in this unique exhibit. Representing an intensive, three-year collaboration with the C-U Spinners and Weavers Guild, the exhibit combines Museum artifacts, some not displayed for decades, with original Guild member artworks they have inspired. The exhibit will include video interviews with the artists and insights into their creative journey through notes and design booklets.

The Spurlock Museum joins the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) in celebrating its 50th anniversary. An integral part of this celebration is "Latin American Research: Past, Present, and Future." To complement this focus there will be an exhibition of Latin American folk art. Situated adjacent to the permanent South American Gallery, the exhibition will feature selected objects from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil, countries where CLACS personnel have conducted and are conducting research.

For many Americans, the term Vodou brings up unfortunate, Hollywood-inspired imagery involving hexes and curses, but visitors to Sacred Symbols in Sequins will gain new insights to the beauty and sanctity of Haitian Vodou. This exhibit features 16 vintage Haitian Vodou flags (drapo Vodou) from a rarely seen private collection. Six sparkling Vodou libation bottles and eight portraits of contemporary Vodou practitioners by renowned photographer Phyllis Galembo provide a context for these dazzling sequin- and bead-encrusted ceremonial banners.