MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at 847-491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

May 25, 2004

Recycling Is Focus of Dittmar Exhibition

EVANSTON, Ill. --- Old buttons, a broken fork and worn tire treads are objects that most people would throw away without a second thought. For Mitch Melson Jr., these seemingly useless items can be combined to help us reconnect with our ancestors. 

Northwestern University’s Dittmar Memorial Gallery will host Melson’s exhibition “UTRIBE of the 21st Century: Reconnect, Recycle, Renew” from June 10 through Aug. 12. A 6 to 8 p.m. opening reception Thursday, June 24, is free and open to the public. 

This urban tribal exhibition recycles found objects into a new experience. With the appeal of recycling from old to new, Melson combines his materials to create unique tribal masks. He emphasizes the “magical necessity” of using tribal culture to identify ourselves. By understanding history, Melson believes we can bring back pride in our communities.  

“UTRIBE” (Urban Tribal) was developed in 1996 to reflect the dynamics of urban psychology. It attempts to connect humankind, past and future, and supports the need to save our ecology.

The Dittmar Memorial Gallery is located on the main level of Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston campus. Admission is free.

For more information, call the gallery at (847) 491-2348, or Norris University Center at (847) 491-2300, or e-mail dittmargallery@northwestern.edu or go to the Norris Center Web site at www.northwestern.edu/norris/dittmar.html.