Wistariahurst Museum presents February events

Date: 2/2/2009

HOLYOKE We have an incredible month of activities and events happening in February at Wistariahurst Museum!

On Feb. 4 at 6 p.m., see "Historical Perspectives: You Can't Work in a Corset: Examining Fashion through Social History." Guest speaker Deborah Miller, textile and costume historian, will use the Wistariahurst Costume Exhibition as an entr e into examining the social history surrounding women's domestic lives, their pastimes and how the contemporary attitudes of society informed the fashions of the day. Admission is $3.

On Feb. 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m., enjoy an artist reception and award presentation for "Celebrating 90+ Years of Creativity: The Holyoke Creative Arts Center." Wistariahurst will exhibit the sixth annual juried art show by students of the Holyoke Creative Arts Center throughout the month of February. Join us for an artist reception and awards ceremony and view the variety of local art that make up the exhibition. Gallery hours for Wistariahurst are Saturday, Sunday and Monday afternoons from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is $3.

On Feb. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m., enjoy the "I Love Wine" event. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, Wistariahurst will host a wine tasting sponsored by Liquors44, featuring a variety of wines. All proceeds benefit Wistariahurst Museum. Tickets are $25 each and $40 per couple if you buy before Feb. 13. Tickets at the door are $30 each and $50 per couple. Please RSVP to admin@wistariahurst.org or call the museum to register.

On Feb. 14 from 1 to 3 p.m., take part in "Be Mine, Valentine." This fun and creative Victorian Valentine program is appropriate for all ages, inspiring the artist in everyone with hands-on projects from collage to paper-cutting and original crafting of valentines. Cost is $5 per person and $10 for families.

From Feb. 17 to 20 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., take part in School Vacation Victorian Era Crafts. On Tuesday, "Victorian Fans" -- decorate fans with pictures, lace and many other accessories to generate a fan worthy of any young lady. On Wednesday, "Victorian Hatboxes" -- Victorian women never went anywhere without a hat and had decorative hatboxes to hold and protect them. On this day, decorate a hatbox! On Thursday, "Secret Diaries" -- create a diary for your secret thoughts. On Friday, "Victorian Bookmarks" create a bookmark and decorate it with pictures, ribbons and drawings. Each program is $5 per person.

Also from Feb. 17 to 20 from 1 to 2 p.m., learn about "Tea and Textiles." Enjoy tea and view the magnificent exhibition "The Fabric of Our Lives," showcasing the most spectacular pieces of over 50 years of collecting textiles. Seating is limited. Cost is $15. Call the museum to register.

On Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon, take part in a Master Class: Portrait Demonstration. As part of the Holyoke Creative Arts Center's exhibit, instructor Deb Barboza will give a master class portrait demonstration in oil painting. Admission is $10. Registration is required. Please call the museum to register.

On Feb. 22 at 2 p.m., enjoy "Tea and Textiles." Sample tea and view "The Fabric of Our Lives" exhibition showcasing the best pieces of Wistariahurst's costume and textile collection. Seating is limited. Cost is $15. Call the museum to register.

Wistariahurst Museum is dedicated to preserving Holyoke's history and inspiring an appreciation of history and culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wistariahurst is the former home of William Skinner, a prominent silk manufacturer. The museum is open for guided tours every Saturday, Sunday and Monday from noon to 4 p.m. For more information or a schedule of other upcoming events, please visit www.wistariahurst.org or call 322-5660.