The Near and Far East Gallery

Previously known as the Asian and Antiquities gallery, this gallery is now open after summer renovations, made possible by financial support from the First Lutheran Church of Freeport.   In addition to improved lighting, fresh coats of paint, and a new layout, the new gallery provides visitors with a more dynamic, contextual presentation of the art and culture from the Eastern parts of the world.  The exhibitions emphasize six themes within the geographical regions from Egypt, to the Far East, including India, China, Japan and Indonesia.  Of these themes, Elements of Writing traces the history of writing systems through the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt and China.  Elements of Architecture compares building methods, forms and functions. Burial Practices features Ancient Egyptian artifacts relating to mummification and entombment. Philosophy and Religion offers insight into Buddhism and Hinduism through objects of art that represent Gods, Goddesses, Teachers and other figures from eastern philosophy. The Arts of China showcases the FAC permanent collection of the fine art traditions of China and Textile Traditions is a rotating exhibit of the many different themes seen within the production and use of textiles in the East. Many of the exhibits in the gallery are designed to rotate during the year, allowing for a new experience for visitors each time they come to see the Arts Center.