Gayle Strege, Curator
February 4 – April 23, 2023 
Flower Power explores the relationship humankind has with its natural environment – specifically, how we adorn our bodies with botanical elements from head to toe. Creators of textiles, garments, gloves, shoes, purses, hats and buttons
have found inspiration in flowers, vines, trees, fruits, leaves, nuts and almost every type of vegetation. Manufacturers
stretch the limits of creativity as they produce apparel that reflects the colors, textures, and shapes of flowers, and shows the universal beauty of botanical elements. Designers’ conceptions of floral elements echo the art and social movements of their time, place and culture. Artisans translate those concepts into garments and accessories that can be worn to express one’s personal style and individuality.
This exhibition displays artifacts in OSU’s Historic Costume & Textiles Collection from several continents that span the 20th century. The galleries are arranged counter clockwise into color schemes that reflect a stroll from early spring through late summer. We invite you to wander our garden and experience the tranquility and power of floral design.
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Exhibitions presented in collaboration with the Historic Costume and Textiles Collection at the Ohio State University with support from the Fox Foundation, Inc.