Fifteen University of Nebraska–Lincoln students and seven visiting students from Japan have brought global perspectives together in a unique, hands-on course, "ANTH 492: Stitching Culture: US-Japan Quilt Exhibit Collaborative", which blends anthropology, textiles, art, and museum practice. The course is offered each fall by the School of Global Integrative Studies (SGIS).
Their work culminated in the opening of “Starting a Family: Chinese Folk Textiles for Marriage and Children” on Friday, Sept. 19, at the International Quilt Museum (IQM). More than 220 people attended the event, which also featured an International Textiles Show-and-Tell as part of Lincoln Welcoming Week.
Despite rain, visitors filled the Beavers Terrace Gallery to capacity to view the exhibition and hear from students about their curatorial process. Many invited friends and family, creating a lively, community-centered atmosphere.
The course was developed in collaboration with Saitama University in Japan and led by Professor Nao Nomura. Students from two cultures worked side by side to study the museum’s collection of Chinese folk textiles and present them to the public in new ways.
“Connecting with people from other cultures is a critical part of becoming a global citizen and one of the primary goals of our Stitching Culture class,” said Marin Hanson, Curator of International Collections at IQM and course co-instructor. “Seeing ideas flow back and forth and friendships form in real time has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.”
For the visiting students, the experience extended beyond the classroom. Satsuki Tanaka, from Saitama University, described her three weeks in Nebraska as “incredibly fulfilling,” with opportunities to experience America’s vast scale, culture, and local food. Friends she made in Lincoln, she said, “took me to their favorite restaurants and shops, allowing me to truly immerse myself in American culture.”
Nebraska students also found the course transformative. Anthropology major Libby Schaack said the hands-on experience gave her “skills I know I’ll use in the future,” especially as she prepares for a career in museums. Classmate Lily Boker added that the class further reaffirmed her interest in curatorial work and showed her “the power of shaping how people encounter objects and stories, both in the gallery and in digital spaces.”
“This class has a tangible impact that lasts well beyond the semester,” said Emira Ibrahimpašić, associate professor of practice in SGIS and course co-instructor. “Beyond museum skills, it teaches students how to collaborate, problem-solve as a team, and work across cultures—skills they carry into whatever path they choose.”
The exhibition is on view in the Beavers Terrace Gallery at the International Quilt Museum through Nov. 19.
