Asian textiles and Chinese philosophy take center stage in April with presentations at the Global Village Museum by two esteemed and renowned experts. The programs are in conjunction with the Museum’s main exhibit, China’s Imperial Treasures: Art and Artifacts.
Judy Arndt
Todd Cornell
Judi Arndt, who has lived abroad and traveled extensively in Asia, will discuss and display textiles from China’s ethnic minorities at 2 pm on Saturday, April 16. Todd Cornell, Associate Director of the Confucius Institute at Colorado State University, will analyze major Chinese philosophies at 7 pm on Thursday, April 21.
“Some of the minorities’ textiles have not been seen in Western culture,” said Arndt. “There are many excellent examples of costumes made by these ethnic groups.” With a specific interest in natural dyes and complex weaving techniques, Arndt has collected over 300 Asian garments, costumes, and cloths.
The textile aficionado received her degree in interior design with a focus on textiles from the University of Wisconsin. She herself is a quilter, dyer, and weaver. Arndt plans to donate her authentic artifacts – among the finest available – to CSU’s Avenir Museum of Design and Merchandising.
Cornell, who grew up in Fort Collins and then lived and studied in China for over 20 years, will touch on major philosophies such as Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. “I hope to offer insight into a vastly different worldview and contemporary cultural value set,” he said. “I’ve personally experienced and pursued the understanding of Chinese classical philosophy as a hobby and personal interest.”
Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Cornell received his Bachelor of Arts in Mongolian Language and Literature from Inner Mongolia University in China. He has studied over 10 languages and traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Oceania.
Admission to each presentation is $5 for adults and free for Museum members. China’s Imperial Treasures runs through June 18 at the Museum, located at 200 W. Mountain Avenue. Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11-5 pm. For more information, please visit globalvillagemuseum.org or call (970) 221-4600.