Sheldon Art Galleries Trace Tradition and Change in Panamanian Molas Exhibition Beginning Feb 19

The Sheldon Art Galleries Trace Tradition and change in an exhibition of Over 60 colorful and elaborate panamanian molas

The Sheldon Art Galleries presents Kuna Mola: Maintaining Tradition Amid Change, February 19 - May 8, 2010 in the Bellwether Gallery of St. Louis Artists. Please join us for an opening reception on Friday, February 19 from 5 - 7 p.m.! Gallery Hours are Tuesdays, Noon - 8 p.m.; Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Noon - 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and one hour prior to Sheldon performances and during intermission. Admission is free. For more information on the exhibition visit the galleries' website at www.thesheldon.org/galleries.asp.

This exhibition, from the collection of Joyce Cheney, features over 60 exquisite examples of molas made by Kuna women in Panama in the latter part of the 20th century. Mola is the word for both the traditional decorated panels and the blouses into which they are incorporated. Mola designs evolved from Kuna body painting. By the late 19th century, Kuna women began to wear cotton chemises and painted their undergarments instead of their bodies. As imported cloth became available in the early 20th century, women began sewing the designs onto blouses. Early blouses were loose, with short close-fitting cap sleeves, while today's styles dictate snug bodices and puffed sleeves. Pre-1920s mola panels were large, with rough designs and stitching and little embroidery. Geometric patterns and one-color designs were common then, and are now referred to as "grandmother" molas. Post-1920s mola designs are more complex and varied.

This exhibition features a range of pieces made between the 1920s and the 1990s, including mola panels, full costumes, jewelry, a spectacular , large quilt made from mola panels, and photographs of Kuna villagers in traditional costume. A wide range of imagery can be found incorporated into the mola designs, from traditional abstract motifs and local plants and animals, to images from recent history, such as cartoon characters, WWII planes over Panama or the RCA Victor dog, and today's popular culture: cruise ships and cartoon caracters. Joyce Cheney has been a cultural worker for decades. Originally a storyteller, folk musician and community organizer, she has transitioned backstage to non-fiction writing and museum exhibit development.

Financial Assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. Support is provided by the Regional Arts Commission and the Arts and Education Council.

The not-for-profit Sheldon Art Galleries exhibits works by local, national, and International Artists in all media. Over 6,000 square feet of the galleries' spaces on the 2nd floor are permanently devoted to rotating exhibits of photography, architecture, jazz art and history, and children's art. A sculpture garden, seen from both the atrium lobby and the connecting glass bridge, features periodic rotations and installations, and the Nancy Spirtas Kranzberg Gallery on the lower level features art of all media. The Sheldon actively supports the work of St. Louis artists in all mediums and features a dedicated gallery with museum-quality exhibits by St. Louis artists, past and present.