Henna demo part of Elgin museum's tattoo exhibit

In conjunction with the traveling exhibit, “Tattoo: An American Evolution,” the Elgin Public Museum continues to investigate the “Art of Ink through Henna Painting.”

This culturally significant body art has been used in Middle Eastern and African countries for over 5,000 years.

Join Here Rahman on Saturday, March 17, for a drop-in program as she explains the historical and cultural significance of henna, while she demonstrates the art form.

Participants are encouraged to try their hand at creating their own henna designs.

The program is free and open to the public. It will run from 1 to 2:30 p.m. No registration is necessary.

Elgin Public Museum hosts the traveling exhibit, “Tattoo: An American Evolution.” This exhibit, which is co-sponsored by Elgin's Top Notch Tattoo, examines the origins and development of tattoos in American culture.

Ever since Captain James Cook encountered tattooed natives in the Pacific during the 18th century, Americans have been fascinated with this ink-based art.

Discover tattoos' journey through this exhibit that focuses on the history of the American tattoo, stigmatization of tattoos, tentative societal acceptance and mainstreaming, as well as modern developments in tattoo technology.

The exhibit was originally developed by the Northern Illinois University Museum Studies 2010 Curatorial Practice Class under the direction of Pete van Auel.

It will be at Elgin Public Museum through April 1.

The museum is located in Elgin's Lords Park at 225 Grand Blvd.

For more information, contact the museum at (847) 741-6655 or epm@cityofelgin.org. Visit www.elginpublicmuseum.org.