Make hair art Saturdays in May at Monroe County Museum

Creating art project from human hair was common in past centuries.

Learn about the practice and make a hair art project from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays in May at the Monroe County Museum, as part of the YesterWays program. Admission is free. The public is welcome. Registration is not required.

“Come try your hand at this forgotten art by learning to make a simple hair flower. Don't worry, we're not using actual human hair. Recycled sari silk is a good alternative to the real thing and more colorful too,” the museum said.

YesterWays debuted at the museum in January. Each month features a different skill or craft from the past that is inspired by Monroe County history. After the presentation, one-on-one instruction from museum staff is provided. Participants can take home a beginner-friendly project.

This month's YesterWays craft is inspired by a decorative wreath of human hair in the museum’s “200 Years and Counting” exhibit. It was woven by Prudence Paxton Crauder.

“A favored folk art of the 18th- and 19th-century, hair art was a sentimental expression of grief and love, many created by women whose identities have become anonymous over time. Human hair (from both living and deceased persons) was used to form flower bouquets, wreaths, braided jewelry chains, weeping willows and painted scenes of mourning,” the museum said. “Although the practice might seem unusual or even macabre today, many Victorians wore and decorated their homes with art made of human hair. Hair art was not only a fashionable trend, it also served as an affectionate, intimate and bodily reminder of a loved one (living or dead).”

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Make hair art Saturdays in May at Monroe County Museum