IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE OPEN HOUSE NEW YORK WEEKEND FESTIVAL, BOWNE HOUSE IS HOSTING A SPECIAL EXHIBIT:
“The Fabric of Freedom"
Admission is FREE.
Location: 37-01 Bowne Street, Flushing NY 11354
Date: Saturday, October 21st & Sunday, October 22nd
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Self-guided exhibit tours begin on the hour at 12:00pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, & 3:00pm.
“The Fabric of Freedom” Exhibit Description:
This exhibit features a recently conserved rare 19th-century Black Doll* from the Bowne House museum's collection, as well as contemporary work by quilter and dollmaker Thadine Wormly. The exhibit explores the doll’s connection to abolition, education, and material culture in relation to the 19th-century greater Flushing free black community.
*Doll Conservation Funding:
19th-century Black Doll from the Bowne House Historical Society Collection
Doll Conservation funding was supported through the NYSCA/GHHN Conservation Treatment Grant Program administered by Greater Hudson Heritage Network. This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation. Conservation treatment was completed by Meredith Wilcox-Levine of the Textile Conservation Workshop, Inc. in South Salem, New York.
Featured Artist Statement:
Thadine Wormly, a resident of Flushing, Queens for over fifty years and mother of four, reflects:
Through my eyes I envision an image from simple to abstract that I love enough to create. As a painter utilizes canvass- paint & brush, I use cloth, thread, needle & scissor to create quilts, wearable items, fabric postcards & dolls.
Quilting and dollmaking via hand-sewing provides a therapeutic & relaxing diagnosis for mind, body & spirit. It brings an inner peace from start to finish for the textile created. I’ve unknowingly committed decades, from my childhood through this autumn season loving cloth, thread & yarn manipulation.