LENOX, Mass.— To complement the exhibit "The Gibson Girl: A Gilded Age Icon," Ventfort Hall is hosting a hat decorating workshop with Nancy Whelan, a graphic designer and decorative artist. 

 

The workshop will take place Oct. 2 at noon.

 

From the opulent "Merry Widow" to the simple straw boater, participants will create their own fashionable Gibson Girl style hat. Ventfort Hall will provide hats and trims – silk flowers, feathers, ribbon and lace. Nancy, who is a staff member at Ventfort Hall, will guide the workshop and have samples and images from the era as inspiration.

 

Whelan has had a life-long passion for all things Gilded Age. She enjoys researching historical fashions and creating clothing and costumes from many periods. At Ventfort Hall she coordinates our group tours, lunches and teas, as well as decking our halls for the holidays with Victorian flair.

 

Tickets for the workshop are $35 per person and include the cost of materials. Reservations are required. Call 413-637-3206. 

 

Please note that all tickets are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Payment is required to make a reservation for an event.