Recently I spent an enjoyable afternoon at an Exhibit Reception Tea Party and saw the aprons of Karen Anderson in the Castellani Art Museum. Melinda Anderson and Marlowe McSparin are the daughter and sister of the late Karen Anderson. They shared memories of Karen and her large apron collection. You’ll get to see about 47 of her large collection of about 500 aprons.
The ladies showed the aprons collected by Karen Anderson, we learned how this talented storytelling lady collected, mended the aprons then wrote stories about each apron. She carried on stories from people that donated their aprons to her in her program. Mrs. Anderson talked at local churches, 4 H events and community events in her hometown of Lynn Center Illinois.
We all learned that women made aprons from many different kinds of materials. You’ll see aprons of cotton, denim, lace, curtains and aprons for all occasions. With many styles of aprons Karen Anderson had much to write and talk about.
After a tragic car accident in which she and her young granddaughter passed away ,her family has taken over the program she started back in Lynn Center Illinois. Karen’s daughter Melinda and sister Marlowe did a lovely presentation in sharing with us all her apron collection meant to them. Thank you to these two ladies for helping to carry on Karen’s message of art and family history.
This program was educational and inspirational to me. Since my own grandmothers wore aprons around the house it was a traditional event in my family. Seeing the cobbler’s aprons and learning about the materials brought back memories. You learned that aprons each have a story. Sometimes, they mean more to you than just a way to protect clothing while cooking and cleaning. It was fun to see women of all ages come to the event and bring an apron or wear one. A few volunteers described to the crowd a short description about the apron they chose to wear.
My mother Betty is a volunteer at the museum and wore an apron from my Grandmother. There are displays from a Local Kitchen Drawer, aprons created by Catherine Weinheimer Hackenheimer. She is the grandmother of Castellani Art Museum docent Jean Hackenheimer.
A museum visitor at the event, Suzanne Pilon of Buffalo NY enjoyed the display with us as we shared tea and apron stories among the visitors. It was a lovely event for anyone that wants to learn more about the history of the apron. You can even share a story or two about an important part of your own family collection. For more information on these and more apron programs please check out www.niagara.edu/cam
You can also see pictures of people that wear an apron for their occupation. There are other events planned along with the apron display. Visit the Castellani Art Musem at Niagara University.
Betty Scrivano and Jean Hackenheimer
Melinda Anderson and Marlowe McSparin present the aprons of Karen Anderson.
Melinda Anderson explains design of different style of aprons
