Game Day! From Medieval Times to Modern Age

The City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs is pleased to announce the opening of Game Day! From Medieval Times to Modern Age exhibition, which will run November 10, 2007 – February 3, 2008 in the Thomas Center Main Gallery. The exhibition is held in collaboration with the University of Florida Center for Medieval and Early Modern Studies, University of Florida Center for European Studies, Society for Creative Anachronism and Hoggetowne Medieval Faire. A free public reception will be held Thursday, November 29, 2007 from 5 – 7 pm.

The Game Day! From Medieval Times to Modern Age exhibition explores the human drive to compete and the desire to be entertained. A variety of artwork and artifacts that depict the role of games throughout history are displayed. The exhibition features work by contemporary artists including: Daniel R. Barker, Frank Curtis, Renee Hoffinger, Jeff L. Laskin, Carol Luntz, Miriam Novack, Jennifer Parker, Linda Pence, Barbara Perrotti, Peter Senesac, Robert Stebleton and Ellen West. Objects are loaned from the collections of the Theatre of Memory and the Higgins Armory Museum.

Medieval Times Performance: Wednesday, January 23, 2008, visitors can enjoy an exciting Medieval Times Weapons Demonstration at the University of Florida Plaza of the Americas at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The festivities will also include jugglers, a Medieval and Early Modern Studies Fair and other surprises.

Colloquium: Monday, January 28, 2008, visitors can enjoy round table discussions during the Carnevale Colloquium and Keynote Address at UF and at the Thomas Center Long Gallery. Round Table Discussion I – “Games and the Global Gator” – will be discussed at from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 219 Dauer Hall on the UF campus. Round Table Discussion II – “Ancient Games with Modern Players” – will be discussed at 4:00 p.m. at the Thomas Center Long Gallery.

A special keynote Address “The Games People Play” by Dr. Mary Watt, Associate Professor, Romance Languages & Literatures, Co-director, Center for Medieval & Early Modern Studies, University of Florida will occur at 5:30 p.m. at the Thomas Center Long Gallery.

Medieval Masquerade: Friday, February 1, 2008, at the Thomas Center from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Medieval garb is encouraged. Visitors of all ages will be able to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a global assortment of medieval games. Activities include Mongols playing shagai (knucklebones), a "Japanese" lady making Origami figures, medieval ladies offering Quoits (Ring Toss), board games for kids to try and much more!

Additional special event details are available at www.clas.ufl.edu/mems.

The Thomas Center Galleries are located at 302 NE 6th Ave. Gainesville, FL 32601. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. The galleries are closed for observed holidays. For additional information, please contact Erin Friedberg, Visual Arts Coordinator at (352) 393-8532.