That quote from Mother Ann was one of the first things that caught my eye when recently touring the Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, MA. As a woodworker, this speaks to the quality and craftspersonship that I try to put into everything I build. The care and ingenuity that’s clearly a part of every piece there was incredible.
Closer to home, The Hyde Collection is currently exhibiting several Shaker pieces from private collections in an exhibition they call Form and Function: The Beauty of Shaker Design. This exhibition draws from two private collections of Shaker furniture and objects, including many items which have never before been exhibited in a museum context. The first half of the exhibition looks at Shakers at Work, focusing on the various trades in which the Shakers were engaged and their practical tools, designed without unnecessary ornament. The second half of the exhibition, Shakers at Rest, features objects utilized in everyday life, such as chairs, tables, and storage boxes. The exhibition is running now through January 10th, 2027.
Upon my return from the Hancock Shaker Village, I felt inspired to find a way to pay tribute to one of my favorite Shaker pieces. The fates must have been listening because an email landed in my inbox right around then from Katelyn Foley, The Hyde Collection’s Curator of Education and Engagement. Katelyn was reaching out to see if there was any interest in us offering a Shaker-style class to align with their upcoming exhibit. Heck, yes!
If you’ve ever been curious about the Shakers and their influence on American culture, please join us for this beginner-oriented class on making a Shaker-inspired step stool. Members of The Hyde Collection have access to Saratoga Joinery member pricing for this class. All class students also receive free admission and guided tours of the exhibition at The Hyde Collection on Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays at 2pm. The exhibition is running now through January 10th, 2027.
This class will be offered twice:
See you there!
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