After several years of rest, African art from the permanent collection returns for public viewing at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA). The exhibition, "Africa: Arts of a Continent," opens June 3, 2005, and includes several new acquisitions never seen before by the public.

To “kick off” the opening, the UMFA is pleased to host a free public celebration, “Juneteenth,” on Saturday, June 18, from noon – 4 p.m.

“Juneteenth” is a worldwide celebration that began in 1865 celebrating the end of slavery in America. The festivities at the UMFA include live jazz by "Royal Roots," a jewelry-making activity for children and families, art by local African Americans, and a sampling of ethnic food. This event is sponsored by the African American Community, Lutheran Social Services, and the UMFA.

The forms and meanings of traditional African art are strikingly diverse. To illustrate this diversity, "Africa: Arts of a Continent" focuses on four cultures: the Dogon of Mali, the Baulé of the Ivory Coast, the Yoruba of Nigeria and the Kuba Kingdom of the Congo. This organization makes evident the patterns of form and meaning that are unique to a region as well as the differences in works from other areas. "Africa: Arts of a Continent" also incorporates several ancient Egyptian burial objects from various dynasties and explores the importance of the Nile.

“The UMFA is pleased to see the return of African art to our galleries,” states UMFA Director David Dee. “Each work has a unique story behind its creation and utilization. Visitors to the exhibition are taken on a journey through regions of Africa to experience the rites and rituals of its native cultures.”

One of the intriguing objects displayed from the Baulé culture of the Ivory Coast is a Blolo Bian, or "Spirit Spouse." A Blolo Bian represents the spirit mate of the opposite sex that each person has in the Other World. The Baulé people believe that before you were born, you were married in the spirit world. When you are born, your spirit spouse follows you into mortal life. The spirit spouse helps you throughout life in personal achievement, interpersonal relationships and in matters of wealth. However, a spirit spouse may also cause trouble if it is not kept happy. Therefore, it must be kept well-fed, clean and protected with a covering.

During the run of the exhibition, the UMFA is pleased to offer special rates for groups of five to 20. For $7.50 per person, guests are given admission to "Africa: Arts of a Continent" and lunch in the Museum’s f/Stop Café. The luncheon menu features a choice of homemade soup, salad and a drink or a half-sandwich, salad and a drink. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance and can be made by calling (801) 581-3580.

The Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Utah’s Passport to the World, is located on the University of Utah campus at 410 Campus Center Drive. The UMFA’s mission is to engage visitors in discovering meaningful connections with the artistic expressions of the world’s cultures.

General admission is $4 adults, $2 seniors and youth ages 6-18, children 5 and under free, UMFA Members free. Museum hours are Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Weekends, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., closed Mondays.

For more information on programs and exhibitions, call
(801) 581-7332 or visit www.umfa.utah.edu.