Press Release
Friends of the Library
Submitted by Nancy Graham
Communications Chair
September 3, 2017 5:00 p.m.
Friends of the Library is pleased to announce the new exhibit on display in the community room of the Fernandina Beach Library. The exhibition is entitled “Dressing the Dead: Woodblock talismans of Vietnam.” The items on display are from the personal collection of James Kemp of Fernandina Beach.
Mr. Kemp first encountered the artwork of talismans when he was sent to Vietnam in 1967 with the US Navy at 20 years old. He returned and earned a BA degree in 1973 in Asian Studies from Florida State University. He began collecting talismans and woodblocks in 1973 when he returned to Taiwan to study from 1973-77.
Talismans in this exhibit are images which were carved into pieces of wood and then inked and pressed onto cloth or paper. These images are thought to be magical and can bring good luck in the afterlife to those who have died.
The exhibition is available for viewing now through December 31st, 2017 in the Community Room of the Fernandina Beach Library, located at 25 N. 4th Street. Special viewing hours are 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesdays with the exception of October 25th.
For further information regarding this exhibit, on joining Friends of the Library, or to donate, please visit the Friends of the Library website at www.fernandinaFOL.org or call the library at 904-530-6500, Extension 1.
Educational activities associated with woodblock printing will be scheduled during the exhibition period. There is a woodblock printing workshop scheduled for September 7th from 5- 7 p.m. at the Fernandina Beach Library. Registration limited to 20 adults and all materials will be supplied. This workshop is free of charge and pre-registration is required by email to [email protected]. Please include your name and telephone contact.
Caption for image attached:
Burial Tunic Print, Vietnam Woodblock circa 1641
*Also attached is a flyer for the workshop on September 7th.
Friends of the Library is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to promote literacy and lifelong learning in our community through programs, advocacy and fundraising for the Fernandina Beach Library. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 800-HELPFLA (800-435-7352) OR VIA THE INTERNET AT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. REGISTRATION #CH18122