Providence, R.I.--Providence College will host an exhibit featuring artwork and artifacts from the war-torn Central Asian country of Afghanistan from September 8 to October 16 in the Reilly Art Gallery of the Smith Center for the Arts.

Afghanistan: Tradition & Renewal, which is sponsored by the Department of Art and Art History and the Global Studies Program, can be viewed weekdays when school is in session from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There also will be special viewings on September 17 and October 15 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. as part of the monthly Gallery Night Providence celebration.

In conjunction with the exhibit, an opening reception will be held on September 17 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the gallery. The highlight will be an exhibit talk by Dr. Ann W. Norton, PC professor of humanities in art history and the curator of the exhibit, at 6:00 p.m. The exhibit, reception, and talk are free and open to the public.

Norton said that Afghanistan: Tradition & Renewal attempts to convey the story of a nation in transition and its rich cultural traditions. The exhibit comprises a broad range of traditional and contemporary works, including paintings, carpets, clothing, furniture, and household items.

"Even as war continues, hope is reflected in the promising renewal of the arts in Afghanistan," stated Norton, who visited the country in 2007 and who is teaching an Asian Perspectives Seminar on the country this semester.

For more information, contact Norton at anorton@providence.edu or at 401-865-2520.

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