Gualala Arts Lecture Series presents:
The Miao Embroidery & People
of Guizhou Province, China

with Susanne Hansen & Bobbie Penney

Monday, February 5, 2007, 7:00 p.m.
$5 donation requested

On an embroidery tour of China with 13 other American stitchers, Bobbie Penney and Suzanne Hansen, both members of the Embroiderers Guild of America for many years, were introduced to 14 embroidery techniques of the Miao of Guizhou Province in Southwest China. From demonstrations, classroom time and village visits, they accumulated samples, stories and pictures they would like to share Monday, February 5, at 7:00 p.m. Their program will touch on the various embroidery techniques and show pictures and samples from the many villages they visited from their base in Kaili.

The Miao people are one of China's 56 ethnic minorities. About 5 million Miao live in China, about half of them in Guizhou province, with others living in Thailand, Laos and Vietnam, and in the US as Hmong. The Miao are known for their elaborate festival costumes which are richly woven and embroidered and embellished with silver crowns, collars, bracelets and plaques. Their costumes are their most treasured possessions. Over one hundred different costume styles exist in Guizhou differing over the 5 divisions of Miao and variable by village.

A $5 donation is requested.

Located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, the Gualala Arts Center is open weekdays 9 am to 4 pm, and weekends from noon to 4 pm. Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information.