Art Through the Cultural Lens at the USU Museum of Anthropology

 Guest speaker Jeffrey Nielsen presents “The Art of Living” at the next “Saturdays at the Museum” activity at Utah State University’s Museum of Anthropology July 21.
           
The museum, with Nielsen’s help, looks at the cultural value of art. Nielsen’s presentation begins at 1 p.m. at the museum.
           
Nielsen is a philosophy professor at Westminster College in Salt Lake City and Utah Valley University. He is the founder of the Democracy House Project.
           
Nielsen will explore the art of living through the aid of artists, poets and philosophers, and ponder such questions as: can we learn how to find peace, happiness, contentment and meaning in the present moment regardless of what is happening in the world or to us personally?    A temporary exhibit will be available at the museum throughout the day, displaying various artistic traditions from South America, and the museum will provide a self-guided walking tour, with a map and explanations of the sculptures on USU’s campus. Patrons are also encouraged to get in touch with their artistic side by making clay pots.
           
“Art is a great tool to help you to alter your perspective and see through another person’s eyes,” said Aurora Durfee, a Saturdays program worker. “We hope to share the cultural value of art and hope that visitors will connect with art on a personal level.”
           
In addition to the Saturdays at the Museum activity series, community members and USU students alike can visit the museum during its standard operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
           
Funding for the Saturday events is provided by a grant from the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services. More information about the IMLS is available online (www.imls.gov).
           
The USU Museum of Anthropology is on the USU campus in the south turret of the historic Old Main building, Room 252. Admission is free. For Saturday activities, free parking is available in the adjacent lot, south of the building.
           
For more information about museum events, call museum staff at (435) 797-7545 or visit the museum website (anthromuseum.usu.edu).
           
The Museum of Anthropology is part of the Anthropology Program at USU in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.