The Shakers:
Abiding Inspiration in Faith and Design
October 3, 2009 – January 3, 2010
Charles Muller, Curator
The enduring beauty and simplicity of Shaker design reflect the spiritual devotion of their communal society established in this country in 1774. Their use of color, music and dance belie Charles Dickens’ description of the Shakers as drab and grim. While a small group of believers is verymuch alive today in Sabbathday Lake,Maine, this exhibition will focus on theWestern communities in Ohio and Kentucky. Products of their income industries: seeds, chairs, poplar ware and herbal and medicinal items will be on display. It will be a rare opportunity to view several inspirational or gift drawings that are the folk art of the Shakers.
This exhibition will present outstanding examples of Shaker craftsmanship that will illustrate continued influence in the world of design. The clean lines of Shaker furniture and architecture, unadorned and undecorated, spoke strongly to early designers of the Arts and Crafts and Danish Modern movements.
SUPPLEMENTAL EXHIBITION CONTENT