Tag Archives: Taft museum of art

The Tug Of A Crook

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The art exhibition I wrote about Sunday featured a number of fascinating items and I had a few favorites. One of them was the least showy and least noticeable. It hangs in a corner next to some truly fascinating items including a collection of decorative axes and a ceremonial robe.

It’s a nineteenth century International Order of Oddfellows crook. This picture is truly terrible and I honestly think I took it by mistake but it’s all I have that shows the crook.

Here’s what the card says:

The crook, as the “staff of the shepherd,” is associated with the Odd Fellows Encampment Degrees. These degrees have rituals that tell stories of a shepherd’s life. The curved head is used to reach after and draw a member back to safety. The members recognize the crook as a symbol of watchful care, which they are expected to exhibit toward other members, family, friends and their community. 

What an extraordinary message of community and compassion. 

To think that this organization places such emphasis on looking out for one another is inspiring. It doesn’t say “look out for those who live by the rules we like.” Just look out for those around them and help pull them back from life’s dangers. 

Seems like we all could benefit from the tug of a crook once in a while.

Mystery And Benevolence

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We were overdue for a good old fashioned adventure day so we headed to Cincinnati for some art and bookstore fun on Saturday. The purpose of the trip was to visit the Taft Museum of Art for an exhibition called “Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art.” It runs through May 11, 2025 so if this sounds interesting, remember the clock is ticking. 

Whether your interest in these items is as artifacts because you are close to the organizations or simply as artwork, this is an intriguing exhibition. You’ll find prints, sculptures, textiles, ceremonial objects and more. These items all help weave together the principles behind these mysterious organizations. 

Truthfully, I know just enough about these organizations to be dangerous but I really enjoyed learning more and seeking meaning in each item they have chosen to display. While it was organized by the American Folk Art Museum in New York, the exhibition features some items that are locally connected. 

Being me, I was drawn to the things that are or resemble advertising pieces like beautiful prints and this sign that once hung outside Friendly Lodge No. 85 in Millerstown, Pa. It is believed the lodge commissioned this sign soon after its founding in 1843. 

This Odd Fellows marquetry table is awe inspiring in person. 

I was especially taken with this larger than life painting that holds striking symbolism.

This exhibition is located in a museum that was a private residence built around 1820. Charles and Anna Taft were the last people to live here. In 1927, they bequeathed their home and a collection of 530 works of art to the people of Cincinnati. The Taft Museum of Art opened in 1932. Some rooms remain set up as though this is still a home while others are now basic gallery space. I’ll take you on a tour of the rest of the museum soon. 

Meanwhile, if you wish to visit and view this special exhibition, the cost is $15 per person for access to the entire museum. It’s a lovely place and not so large that it feels overwhelming. Find them online to plan your trip!