A ceremonial headdress from Benin which celebrates twins. Benin, a country located on the Gold Coast of Africa, has one of the highest rates of twins anywhere in the world.
|
Showing through August 2024“Around the World in 80 Hats,” is an art and cultural exhibit of ceremonial and utilitarian hats from six continents! The exhibit, tailored to young children and adults alike, features hands-on interpretive centers and will be augmented with performances and activities which heighten the visitor experience. Featured in the exhibit are approximately 60 international hats from the Linda Weston Collection, 15 vintage dress hats from Friends of Fashion in Chassell, and vintage and new utilitarian hats (miner's and firemen's helmet, cowboy hat etc.), and hats from local artists/milliners.
The Linda Weston Collection For over twenty years, Michigander Linda Weston traveled the world, bartering and buying hats along the way. She has visited 120 countries on 6 continents. "Around the World in 80 Hats" features Linda's hats and the stories which go with them! Linda has graciously loaned her exhibit to RPM. Visitors are allowed to try on several of the hats in the collection. This program has received funding from the followingFriends of Fashion (Chassell Heritage Center)
|
Watch the video below to hear Linda talk about some of the hats in her collection
(Recorded by Real People Media at the Charlevoix Circle of Arts
Make and Take Art and Craft Table.
Throughout 2021 RPM will feature art projects inspired by the hats included in the exhibit. Projects may use techniques and materials which were used in the creation of the hats or be simplified versions of the hats themselves. Six different crafts will be offered throughout the year to encourage repeat visits by local families. A couple of project samples are below:
Peruvian child's hat- Using common and readily accessible material – cardboard, fabric samples, glue gun and ornamental fringe and ribbon, children will create a fun and vibrant hat which they can take home the same day.
Cross stitch hanky. Embroidery was used to embellish the hat from Estonia in the exhibit. Using this hat for inspiration, visitors will embroider a small hanky to take home.
This exhibit is a unique way to introduce people, especially children, to the art and culture of people around the world. Through this exhibit, visitors will learn about the ceremonial, decorative and utilitarian purposes of hats and the people who wore them. Vintage hats provide a window to Calumet's past when immigrants came to the Keweenaw to work in the copper mines and related businesses. Profiles of selected 19th and early 20th century immigrant men and women will be included in the exhibit. A teachers' guide of the exhibit will be developed. We plan to assemble a smaller (30 hat ) exhibit based from this show and make it available (via fee) to other Michigan Museums, art centers and schools.
In addition to their utilitarian use, hats are often a means of self-expression. “Around the World in 80 Hats” is intended to inspire people to express themselves artistically through the creation and wearing of hats. Visitors will also:
Throughout 2021 RPM will feature art projects inspired by the hats included in the exhibit. Projects may use techniques and materials which were used in the creation of the hats or be simplified versions of the hats themselves. Six different crafts will be offered throughout the year to encourage repeat visits by local families. A couple of project samples are below:
Peruvian child's hat- Using common and readily accessible material – cardboard, fabric samples, glue gun and ornamental fringe and ribbon, children will create a fun and vibrant hat which they can take home the same day.
Cross stitch hanky. Embroidery was used to embellish the hat from Estonia in the exhibit. Using this hat for inspiration, visitors will embroider a small hanky to take home.
This exhibit is a unique way to introduce people, especially children, to the art and culture of people around the world. Through this exhibit, visitors will learn about the ceremonial, decorative and utilitarian purposes of hats and the people who wore them. Vintage hats provide a window to Calumet's past when immigrants came to the Keweenaw to work in the copper mines and related businesses. Profiles of selected 19th and early 20th century immigrant men and women will be included in the exhibit. A teachers' guide of the exhibit will be developed. We plan to assemble a smaller (30 hat ) exhibit based from this show and make it available (via fee) to other Michigan Museums, art centers and schools.
In addition to their utilitarian use, hats are often a means of self-expression. “Around the World in 80 Hats” is intended to inspire people to express themselves artistically through the creation and wearing of hats. Visitors will also:
- gain knowledge of other countries/cultures and increased appreciation for their art.
- have the opportunity to express themselves through the creation of art projects.
- hear stories and gain insight into the experiences of people around the world as well as those in our community.
- share their own stories and cultural traditions and develop a dialogue with others.
- gain and/or practice skills such as basic stitching, painting, sewing, sculpting.