VISIONS! IN THE CITY OF PARADISE

In 1837, fourteen year old Ann Maria Goff, of Watervliet Shaker Village, fell into trance and received many visions through which she would tour the City of Paradise. Her accounts, transcribed by Shaker brother Isaac Newton Youngs, are among the first records from the Shaker Era of Manifestations. This was an exceptionally fruitful period, spanning ~1837-57, when elaborate revelations from heavenly spheres were recorded by Shaker Instruments. The Shakers referred to this period as “Mother’s Work” since many corresponded with the spirit of their matriarch Mother Ann, who was believed to be the Second Coming of Christ in female form.

Molteni’s exhibition “All Around the Room” opened on the beaming Summer Solstice at Hancock Shaker Village. It brings to life many of the visions recorded during the EOM, particularly certain passages from Ann Mariah Goff’s December 1 encounter and imagery from their favorite Hancock archive Gift Drawings.

As the Winter Solstice approaches, you're invited to gather in their immersive installation for one of three spirited group readings of the entire manuscript that recounts Goff’s tour of the heavens.

CHOOSE ONE OF 3 SESSIONS:

Wednesday 12/17 @2pm:

The museum will be closed to the public, but VIP guests + Shaker freaks are invited to attend free of charge for an intimate, meditative experince. You MUST RSVP to attend this session, so we know to expect you. Please also arrive on time as there will not be regular museum staff to welcome you.

Friday 12/ 19 & Saturday 12/ 20 @2pm:

Purchase regular museum admission and meet at Maria's installation inside of Hancock's Poultry House. Museum admission also gains you access to some of the other Shaker buildings + the Festival of Trees

To make adonation or purchase VISIONS Broadsheet:

You're welcome to make a donation to Maria for any of the above programs and/or purchase the VISIONS publication which contains the full 1837 transcription . The VISIONS Broadsheet is $13. You can Venmo Maria: @Maria-Molteni

Also check out other Arts events in Pittsfield, Exhibitions in Pittsfield, Festivals in Pittsfield.