Students in key roles in tapestry exhibit

Upperclassmen Avery Simms and Hannah North hold key roles in this fall's University of North Georgia (UNG) Bayeaux Tapestry replica exhibit.

Simms, a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in visual arts with a drawing and painting focus, and North, a senior pursuing a degree in studio art with a minor in history, are students in Dr. Ana Pozzi Harris' visual literacy class, where they first learned of the opportunities. Both will be docents during the exhibit which runs from Sept. 14 -19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Convocation Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

This is Simms' first experience as a docent with the tapestry replica, which depicts the Battle of Hastings, a military conflict that changed the history of England in 1066.

"I will be learning all about it, getting as much information as possible on it, and practicing how to explain it to visitors," the Rome, Georgia, native said. 

Through her research, Simms has already discovered that this is the only life-size replica of the actual tapestry in the United States, and it was created over 11 months by Margaret ReVille in 1986-87.  

"The only difference between the replica and the actual one is that this one was hand-painted and not embroidered or sewn onto the tapestry," she said.

North, meanwhile, has prior experience with the replica and is prepared to take on the role of docent supervisor.

"Last year was an amazing experience, and I was so excited when Professor Pozzi Harris offered me the position of docent," the Cumming, Georgia, resident said. "I had such a great time. I enjoy art and history."

North said that the highlight of last year's exhibition was presenting to ReVille's family.

Both women agree that working with the replica will be helpful as they enter the workforce.

"I definitely see it helping me even just in general. I'm not super-duper comfortable talking in front of people. I get nervous, so I think it will be a good experience to get me out of my shell," Simms explained. "But I am also thinking about potentially being a professor or working in a gallery, so this will definitely help."

North echoed Simms' comment adding that installing and uninstalling the exhibit will be worthwhile, too.

"As a future art teacher, it'll be nice to get some experience to hang up artwork, especially if I want to do our own little art show. Being able to set up artwork and show how students are doing all this cool stuff," she said. "I think it's also like really great public speaking practice, too. I'm very introverted, so this is great practice.  

Dr. Brian Jay Corrigan, senior professor of Renaissance literature and expert on the Bayeux Tapestry at UNG, will discuss the history of the original embroidery that inspired the replica Saturday, Sept. 14, at 1:30 p.m. Corrigan's talk will be held in rooms 218/219 at the Convocation Center, near the displayed artwork on the building's upper level. All events are free and open to the public.