Reimagining the Distaff Toolkit Opens on Wednesday at the Handwerker Gallery

01/21/11

The Handwerker Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of Reimagining the Distaff Toolkit.  Each work of art in this exhibition features a tool that was important for women's domestic labor from the 18th century through World War II.  The artists have placed objects such as a dressmaker’s figure, pots, pans, baskets, rolling pins, darning eggs and rug-beaters at the center of their works. One piece incorporates a 19th-century distaff, which was used to hold wool during spinning.  Over time, the word "distaff" came to refer to matters and objects relevant to the domestic or women’s sphere, and then, to women, generally.

Reimagining the Distaff Toolkit is curated by Dr. Rickie Solinger, historian, curator and author.  The approximately thirty-five pieces of art in this exhibition are on loan from contemporary artists representing all geographic regions of the country. 

This show will be on view at the Handwerker Gallery from January 26–March 6, 2011.  The opening reception is Thursday, January 27 from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.  The Gallery will also hold a symposium in conjunction with the exhibition at 5.00 p.m. on March 3.   Speakers will include Jessica Dallow (the University of Alabama at Birmingham), Jeffreen Hayes (Ithaca College), and Rickie Solinger (Wakeup/Arts).  An illustrated catalogue with an essay by Susan Strasser (University of Delaware) and an introduction by Rickie Solinger will accompany the show.

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact Erika Fowler-Decatur at 607.274.3548. Please make requests for accommodations as far in advance as possible.

All Handwerker Gallery events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and weekends, noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is closed to the public on Tuesdays but can accommodate group or class visits by appointment.

For more information please visit www.ithaca.edu/handwerker or call the Handwerker Gallery at 274-3018. To schedule a group or class visit, please e-mail Erika Fowler-Decatur (efowlerdecatur@ithaca.edu).

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