Entertainment SOUL OF A PEOPLE from page 129 joy to look at, or it fin- ishes a collection, or shows something [spe- cial], like the creativity of a particular artist." They also recommend finding a good dealer who can teach prospec- gx tive collectors about the work. Though the Margolins have traveled to Mexico only one time, they credit dealers in Florida, Chicago and California for teaching them about the art. "They helped us devel- op our eyes," Michael says. The Margolins recog- nize two trends in Mexican folk art today: There are those who con- tinue to work closely and imitatively in traditional images and those new artists who create exciting new forms employing tra- ditional techniques. The Aguilar family of Mexico, famous for mak- Linda and Michael Margolin in their living room, ing clay figures for four surrounded by the Mexican folk art they've collected generations, represents for 30 years. both trends, Linda says. Demetrio Aguilar, a member of the younger generation importance of the faith of the people who believe it," she says. who has traveled and seen art around the world, produces images "light As Humanistic Jews, Michael adds, years" away from those made by his he and his wife tend to be open to the influences of many cultures. mother, Josefina, who has never left "One thing I seek to achieve her home in Oaxaca, Mexico. through collecting and showing is an Though the son's images have awareness and an understanding of changed, Linda adds, he still handles the clay and bakes it like his parents things that make people different and wonderful," he says. and grandparents. "It's been a long journey for me, understanding the world and finding Collecting: A Journey my own place in it," Michael con- - cludes. "And collecting is part of that "Collecting is about sensitivity to cul- fabric and discovery." ture — your own as well as others — whether you're collecting Native American, Mexican or Jewish art," "Mexican Folk Art: The Margolin Linda says. Collection" runs Sept 12-Oct. 25 Although you have to learn about at the Alfred Berkowitz Gallery, the belief system behind the art to located on the third floor of the understand much of it, "that doesn't Mardigian Library, on the mean you have to believe in it," she University of Michigan-Dearborn says. campus, 4901 Evergreen Road. A She feels that, for a Jew, buying folk public reception to open the art with religious overtones is no dif- exhibition will be held 5:30-8 ferent from buying German expres- p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. sionist art. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. "Some people assume that buying Monday-Friday. Admission is religious imagery infringes on our free. (313) 593-3592. Jewish identity, when it has nothing to do with it. The art reaffirms the RISTORANTE ITALIANO • , Open 7 days a week 11 to 11 • 3 locations to serve you OPENING SOON DOWNTOWN NORTHVILLE 9/ 6 2002 130 30005 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD South of 14 Mile Rd. Farmington Hills 43080 GARFIELD ROAD North of 19 Mile Rd. Clinton Township 51195 SCHOENHERR North of 23 Mile Rd. Shelby Township 248.932.9999 586.263.5353 586. 73196161 io