“Color Across the Collections” will be exhibited at The Goldstein from October 3, 2004, to January 9, 2005. This exhibit exploring color in design—from formal, cultural, and historical perspectives—gives audiences a chance to appreciate the diversity of the museum’s growing permanent collections. Both old favorites and new surprises will be featured as the exhibit takes in design from the past and the present, from Minnesota and places throughout the world, and ranging in form from costume (an area in which the museum’s collections are widely renowned) to product and graphic design.

Curated by students under the guidance of associate professor Barbara Martinson, this exhibit looks at the meanings of color as they shift across time periods and contexts. Black, now ubiquitously chic, once signified grief or old age. Red, depending on the context, may signify danger, flirtatiousness, or joy. The theory and psychology of color are explored through an introduction to the color wheel (a circular chart showing how colors are related), including displays juxtaposing complementary and adjacent colors.

An opening event will take place 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. October 3, including a lecture at 2:30 by Margaret Walch, director of the Color Association of the United States. The event, in 33 McNeal Hall, is free and open to the public.

“Hip Art that’s Square” opens January 30, 2005, and runs through April 3. This exhibit, curated by associate professor Steven McCarthy, will feature the innovative design of vinyl record album covers over the 20th century. Visit The Goldstein for more information.