With the opening of Modern Dialect, The Cummer Store recently acquired gifts, books, and jewelry to stay in theme with the museum’s newest exhibit. The exhibition will feature American paintings created during the twenties, thirties, and forties, a challenging yet evolving time period for America. Contrasting elements, such as the machine age and the depression, juxtapose intricate complexities with simple pleasures.
The Cummer Store embodies this contrast with merchandise that represents the feeling of the era. In addition to the exhibition catalogue, the store carries classics such as The Grapes of Wrath and The Great Gatsby. Both literary classics deal with hope and loss in different styles; The Great Gatsby using the pursuit of lavishness and The Grapes of Wrath exploring the search of employment for basic needs. Along with the literature, Alchemy’s jewelry, inspired by the machine age, is created with pewter castings and delicate details fashioned after keys, cogs, and other machinery. Other items, such as sock monkeys and Scrabble which were created during the depression, bring about a more simplistic enjoyment with basic design elements and concepts.
If in search of nostalgic gifts, The Modern Dialect collection at The Cummer Store is guaranteed to carry something of interest for visitors fascinated with the new exhibit. Borrowing from the themes and ideals of the twenties, thirties, and forties, any Modern Dialect gift from the store exudes vintage style with a contemporary update, while the literary novels illustrate the turbulent and luxurious decades. Lastly, if a visitor wishes to enjoy The Modern Dialect exhibit away from The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, he or she may purchase the extensive Modern Dialect catalogue at The Cummer Store for $29.95.
