The Lois Jett Historic Costume Collection (LJHCC) in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at Illinois State University has opened its newest exhibition, “Self-Expression,” running through September 9.

The free exhibition is located in Turner Hall, room 126 and is open to the campus and surrounding community. Gallery hours are 8-11:30 a.m. and 1-2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, through May 10. Other times may be scheduled by calling (309) 438-5960.

The exhibition features garments hand-made by donors, including former and current Illinois State professors and faculty. Viewers will see the self-expression behind creating garments, as well as the 4-H organization that has been instrumental in the teaching of needlework skills over the last century. The exhibition was planned and installed by Justin Golich, LJHCC intern and senior in the Fashion Design and Merchandising program.

The LJHCC was created in 1962 by Lois Jett, a professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. Over the years, the collection has expanded to more than 2,000 items of men’s, women’s, and children’s dress and related artifacts dating from the 1840s to today.