Boomerang before Dave
Tomorrow morning from 10 until noon, the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University will host a lecture and demonstration on the art and sport of boomerang at Carr's Hill Field.
Ben Ruhe, the founding father of boomeranging in the United States and an honorary consultant in boomerang for the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, will lead the event.
Ruhe is the author of two books on the Aboriginal art, "Many Happy Returns: The Art and Sport of Boomeranging" (1977) and "Boomerang: How to Throw, Catch and Make It" (1985). He is the brother of Edward L. Ruhe, whose collection of bark paintings is part of the Kluge-Ruhe Collection.
Although University students are not involved in the program, those in charge feel the rarity of such an event will draw the crowds.
"The reason we are doing it is because we are an Aboriginal art collection from Australia, so it is appropriate," said Julia May, associate curator for the collection.
"The event will be showcasing returning boomerangs, which are games of skill and athletics, and non-returning boomerangs, which are used in hunting," she said.
Following a lecture and demonstration, Ruhe will instruct those who want to try their hand at the unconventional sport.
According to May, boomeranging is easy.
"If you can throw and catch a baseball, then throwing and catching a short-range and balsa wood boomerang will be a snap," she said.
May feels the collection has an obligation to inform the University of this unique art wonder that lies in its backyard.
"It is really important because we are such a unique collection in the United States - the only Aboriginal art collection here for that matter - and the largest collection outside of Australia," May said. "The University is in a unique spot to be in this caliber.
May added that the collection wants to include programs for the University community and said the boomerang event "is a way for us to get the student body interested in what we have to offer."
For those coming from off-Grounds, parking will be available in front of Culbreth Theatre.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be held indoors at Albemarle High School gymnasium. This event is free and open to the public.
-Daniel Stern
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