Not the Devil’s Workshop: Women’s Hand Work, 1800 - 1930

When not doing farm chores, raising a family or having a career, women have been using their hands to pass the time, endure a crisis or be useful. Curator and antique collector Sheila Guidera has created this exhibit based on the phrase “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”   It will feature her collection of 19th century “Vanity” mirrors adorned with paintings of landscapes and flowers, a popular women’s handcraft at that time, along with a stunning variety of samplers, tatting, lace, and other objects that illustrate the myriad ways women have kept their hands occupied.  This exhibit was created to commemorate National Women’s History Month in March and the opening will be held on February 16, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00pm.