Mangle boards are highly-ornamented planks of wood used to smooth wrinkles from linen in the 16th to 19th century. The 37 mangle boards on loan illuminate the work of many hands. In every board those hands express a part of themselves and the lives of these common people as individuals.

In conjunction with this exhibition, the center invited 12 artists to produce new mangle boards, with a range of responses, from works that reflected the traditional motifs seen in this art form, to meditations on women’s work and the current political upheaval.

Participating artists: Melissa Engler & Graeme Priddle, Ashley Eriksmoen, Amy Forsyth, Michael Hosaluk, Katie Hudnall, Beth Ireland, Hilary Pfeifer, Merryll Saylan, Michael Scarborough, Betty Scarpino, and Kimberly Winkle.