The tailor’s work area in the millinery shop in Colonial Williamsburg.
While the location of the Guild’s fall study program moves about the country, bringing learning opportunities to some of the many locations where IGMA members reside, the winter program has been taking place every January in Colonial Williamsburg for about 20 years. There are many reasons for this, not least of which is the fact that its off-season at that time, and so, very affordable. While affordability is an important component, even more crucial is the fact that the Colonial Williamsburg museums house world-class collections, and employ top-notch curators who are eager to work with us. The curators assist our instructors with detailed information, photos and
A toy fort currently on display at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum in an exhibit entitled ‘The World Made Small’.
measurements on the pieces they’ve selected as their class projects, and the curators and conservators arrange for students to see those pieces close-up, whether they are currently on display, or in storage. This access allows the students to see first hand, details they might not otherwise have a chance to see, like specific methods of construction and patterns of wear that testify to the piece’s usage over time; invaluable knowledge when you are seeking to replicate those pieces in miniature.
Chief Curator Ronald Hurst hosting a tour of the Southern Furniture exhibit at the Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum in Colonial Williamsburg.
And, when you’re not in class, there is all of Colonial Williamsburg to explore. With fewer crowds you can converse with the costumed interpreters and get a real feel for life in colonial times, you can eat in one of the period authentic taverns and shop in the many workshops and stores. Your registration fee includes a pass for admission to all the buildings on the grounds-and gets you a discount in the shops as well.
Visit www.igma.org for all the details on the 2016 Colonial Williamsburg Study Program. This year’s classes include basketmaking with Bonni Backe, a tea table with Iulia Chin Lee, the Governor’s Palace Study room box with Peter Kendall and a cellarette with Bill Studebaker.
