The exhibition was funded in part by The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture and The County of San Diego Community Enhancement Program.
The exhibition revealed the colorful diversity of Indian creative expression, presenting an evocative collection of works, used in the daily routine of a typical Indian family — objects of worship, personal and domestic adornment, utility and recreation. INDIA ADORNED was based on carefully chosen treasures discovered by Dr. Stephen Huyler, art historian, cultural anthropologist, photographer and author, during 36 years of in-depth field research.
Dr. Huyler’s _Daughters of India: Art and Identity_ accompanied the exhibition. The book was available only at Mingei International Museum’s Collectors’ Gallery / Museum store prior to its fall release by Abbeville Press.
Exhibition enhancement events included Dr. Huyler’s lecture, “Inside India Adorned: 36 Years of Personal Perspective” on Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Two of the women profiled in _Daughters of India_ — arts advocates Minhazz Majumbar and Shyamali Khastgir — attended the members’ reception on July 11, 2008 and Dr. Huyler’s lecture. Shyamali Khastgir demonstrated traditional wall and floor painting. On August 23, 2008, dancer Divya Devaguptapu presented a program and performance of Bharata Natyam. A celebration of Diwali, the Indian festival of light took place on October 28, 2008 and a Dr. Huyler returned on November 9, 2008 to present with author and photographer Paola Gianturco “Women of India — Transformation through Art.”