LITTLE ROCK – Historic Arkansas Museum will host “Mystery & Benevolence: Symbolic Expressions of the Mason and Odd Fellows from the American Folk Art Museum” in the Cabe Gallery, opening Friday, August 11, at 5 p.m. at the museum, 200 E. Third St., Little Rock.
The opening will be held during the museum’s 2nd Friday Art Night and is free and open to the public. Live music will be provided by Charlotte Taylor and beer by Diamond Bear Brewery.
“Mystery & Benevolence” includes carvings, textiles, sculptures and adornments that were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries’ golden age of fraternal organizations in America. Mystical, evocative and sometimes simply strange, the art of the Freemasons and the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows is rich in symbolism. According to the American Folk Art Museum, the exhibition offers special access to objects that hint at the richness and complexity of the visual language used by these secret societies. Designed to instill a sense of wonder, the works on display embody a deep faith in fellowship, and in the potential for shared ideals to create lasting bonds.
“Mystery & Benevolence: Symbolic Expressions of the Masons and the Odd Fellows from the American Folk Museum” was organized by the American Folk Art Museum, New York, N.Y., from the Kendra and Allen Daniel Collection, and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.
Historic Arkansas Museum
Historic Arkansas Museum (HAM) is the agency of Arkansas Heritage responsible for protecting and preserving our state’s territorial past. HAM is located inside two historic city blocks in downtown Little Rock and includes the oldest building in the Capitol City and an 1850s farmstead. The museum also serves the state as its primary collector of Arkansas Made decorative, mechanical and fine arts. Historic Arkansas Museum is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. You can reach the museum at 501-324-9351. HAM is located at 200 E. Third St., Little Rock.
