Ikat, batik, tie-dye, kasuri, tsutsugaki, adire, bandhani… Many different methods, one simple premise: creating patterns using dye.

The "Fashion Timeline" showcases the Kent State University Museum's world-class collection of historic fashions. Encompassing two centuries of fashion history, this exhibition is designed to show the evolution of styles and silhouettes while contextualizing the pieces with relevant political, technological and cultural developments.

The defining characteristic of any fashion period is the shape of the silhouette. Shape is largely determined by what is worn underneath the fashionable garment and next to the skin. Why silhouettes have often had so little to do with the shape of the human body is one of the mysteries of fashion. It is influenced by economic, political and social circumstances as well as attitudes toward sexuality and the ever-present desire for novelty. In this exhibition undress includes not only the garments that give the body structure and shape, but also garments worn at night, at home and in informal situations. These are the garments that reveal and shape private life.

Over the centuries and across continents, a number of different basic forms of fans developed. This exhibition explores these different shapes and styles. From hand-painted rococo designs of the eighteenth century to celluloid, art deco pieces from the twentieth century, the variations are remarkable and stunning. Fans are among the earliest accessories because they perform a critical function. In the days before air conditioning, the cool breeze created by a fan came as welcome relief. Far from purely functional, fans became highly ornamented and beautiful. Over the centuries and across continents, a number of different basic forms of fans developed. This exhibition explores these different shapes and styles. From hand-painted rococo designs of the eighteenth century to celluloid, art deco pieces from the twentieth century, the variations are remarkable and stunning. Approximately fifty fans spanning three centuries will fill the Alumni Gallery.

This exhibition of glass showcases the breadth of the Kent State University Museum collection that has resulted from many donors' personal collecting interests. Thanks to generous donors, the museum has amassed a diverse collection of glass that spans the Roman Era to the 20th century. The primary glass donors, Paul Miller and Jabe Tarter, were well known glass and antique connoisseurs, and the museum received a 10,000 piece donation from their estate in 2004. Since that time, with the help of James Measell, the museum has exhibited selections from the Tarter/Miller collection. In addition to the representation of American manufactured glass from the Tarter/Miller Collection, other important contributions include art glass from Jerry Silverman and Shannon Rodgers, Roman glass from Jack W. and Shirley J. Berger, and perfume bottles collected by Ruth and Ralph Fuller, as well as Barry W. Bradley. This exhibition gives you a glimpse into the complete glass collection housed within the museum's storage.