All Events in Holyoke

Come view 'Fans, Fashion and Feminism' an exhibit that will reveal and demonstrate the secret language of the Victorian hand fan. Wistariahurst Museum is delighted to announce that on April 21, it will exhibit, reveal, and demonstrate the secret language of the Victorian hand fan. The event will feature an exhibit of beautifully crafted fans and a live demonstration of how 'fan language' was used to communicate without speaking a word. Although hand fans were a 'must-have' fashion accessory for women of the time, they also marked the beginning of women’s determination to free themselves from the oppression of the patriarchy and the overzealous eyes of chaperones during the Victorian era. Attendees will learn how the simple hand fan helped energize women to pursue greater independence... walking without a male escort, riding a bicycle, redesigning fashion, and demanding control of their everyday lives. A live demonstration of fan language will be held during the opening reception by historic performer Kandie Carle. What began as a simple cooling device evolved to a symbol of status and wealth, then became an instrument of change to human relationships and social codes. Fans are a tangible record of art, history, and the ongoing connection among cultures.