Shaker Traditions: Contemporary Translations Opens Aug. 15

Canterbury Shaker Village’s special exhibit, Shaker Traditions: Contemporary Translations opens at the National Historic Landmark Aug. 15, as part of the special event Village Rising, according to a press statement.

The 2015 installation of this special exhibit features a collection of contemporary works of art inspired by Shaker traditions, values, images and artifacts by professional artists and creative citizens. The exhibit is included with the price of regular admission and will run through Dec. 12, 2015.

“In many ways, the Shakers were the first to take their traditions and translate them for contemporary living. Over their 200 years at Canterbury Village, they adopted new technologies and through their innovations were often at the leading edge of change,” noted Funi Burdick, Executive Director and Exhibit Curator. “However, new technologies were embraced with a mindfulness and intentionality that meant they simplified, rather than complicated, their lives. Interestingly, many of the modern day works featured in this year’s installation of Shaker Traditions: Contemporary Translations speak to the need for simplicity and connection.”

Included in this year’s Shaker Traditions: Contemporary Translations is “Shaker” by Laura Swanson. This color photograph is a self-portrait from a larger collection of Swanson’s work entitled “Uniforms” (2014-2015), which is a series of drawings, photographs, and sculptures that explore the concealment of physical difference and express an aspiration for privacy and agency.

“The ‘Shaker’ photograph represents feelings of marginalization in a society that is becoming overwhelmingly concerned with the superficial and is indifferent to the decline of humanity. The portrait depicts me wearing the cloak in front of a barren, but beautiful, desert,” described Laura Swanson, contributing artist. “I am attracted to the Shaker cloak because of its elegant, simple design and its uniform like qualities — the person wearing it represents a community rather than individuality.”

Canterbury Shaker Village is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 24. The price of admission is $17/adults, $8/children (6-17) and free for members and children 5 and under.

Other upcoming events at Canterbury Shaker Village include the Canterbury Artisan Festival on Sept. 12; Shaker Village Farm-to-Table Benefit Dinner on Sept. 13; Vintage Car Show on Oct. 17; and Ghost Encounters on October 24 and Christmas at Canterbury on Dec. 5 and 12. To view the complete 2015 calendar of events and workshops visit shakers.org.

For more information about Shaker Traditions: Contemporary Translations or to purchase tickets, please visit shakers.org.

Caption: Shaker by Laura Swanson will be on display as part of the special exhibit.