Date: Thursday, April 28, 2011, 7:00pm

Chapter: Northwest

Presenter: Caroline Williams, College of William and Mary

Location: University of Washington, Gowen Hall, Rm. 201

Admission is free and open to the public.

Description: Islamic religious ornament, unlike much western religious art, is non-figural and non-iconic. It is based on abstract patterns (arabesque and geometric designs) and calligraphy. It nevertheless conveys deep spiritual meaning. Caroline Williams, with graduate degrees in Islamic history and art, has contemplated the varieties of Islamic ornament in all major Muslim countries except Indonesia. Her publications include Islamic Monuments in Cairo: The Practical Guide (Cairo and New York: The American University in Cairo Press, 2008).