For his 50th wedding anniversary in 1998, mechanical engineer Albert Smith donated the $3 million needed to construct a fine arts museum at his alma mater.
Because of his generosity, the museum was named in honor of his wife, and on Oct. 3, 2003, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art first opened its doors to the public.
Now, eight years later, the museum remains active.
Throughout the fall the JCSM will have a special exhibit titled "On the Silk Road and the High Seas: Chinese Ceramics, Culture and Commerce."
The museum is exploring beyond ceramics and invites guests to immerse themselves in the world of an 18th-century Chinese trading district in celebration of the museum's eighth birthday.
"It just shows how far we have come in such a short amount of time," said Colleen Bourdeau, marketing and events manager for the museum.
Chinese trading districts called hongs were traditionally places of much competition mixed with politics and bargaining.
From noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, the museum's festivities will include re-enactments of Chinese and Dutch traders, stations with clay and ink wash and various other Chinese traditions to discover.
Additionally, an emperor impersonator will be on hand to discuss the importance of tea and trade.
"We'll have a teahouse set up and a trading district and a dragon maze for kids to explore," said Andrew Henley, the museum's curator of education.
There will also be several musicians, including a performance of Chinese folk songs, and dancers from Variations Studio will put on a performance.
"Definitely the Chinese theme will be sort of pervasive throughout the whole building," Henley said.
The rest of the museum's exhibits will be open for the duration of the event, as will the cafe.
"Everyone can enjoy the fun, but they also can enjoy the exhibition," Bourdeau said. "The Museum Cafe will be open for lunch, and we're serving, along with the Chinese theme, Asian-style food, and it's really just going to be a great day."
Coinciding with the birthday celebration will be a craft fair featuring more than 20 local and regional artisans.
Previously, the fair has been held in the spring.
"It's a good opportunity for holiday shopping," said Carol Robicheaux, museum shop manager.
Ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photographs, fabric art and sculptures will all be available.
Student memberships for the JCSM are free, and registration can be completed at www.jcsm.auburn.edu using a valid Auburn email and student ID number.
Benefits include monthly emails updating members on exhibitions, events and exclusive member-only programs.
Student members also receive a 10 percent discount in both the Museum Cafe and the Museum Gift Shop.
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