Shades of Shaker showcased the Shakers’ unique design aesthetic. The dynamic presentation of signature Shaker furniture pieces, clothing, household equipment, rugs, and textiles illustrated how Shakers used vibrant yellows, blues, and reds as part of their overall design vernacular. Most humans recognize and respond to color. Shakers were no different. They produced color in their paints, stains, and dyes using available natural pigments and dyestuffs with traditional recipes until commercial pre- mixed paints came on the market – then they bought these products. However, when the world at large was often layering color over color to create decorative designs and motifs, Shakers were content with the beauty added to furniture, interior woodwork, and building exteriors with a singular bold and distinctive color choice, or a combination of several colors. This intentional application of color was explored in Shades of Shaker.
This exhibition was previously on view from December 3, 2022-February 25, 2023, at the Kinderhook Knitting Mill at 8 Hudson Street, Kinderhook, NY.
