Look Up! Weathervanes of Cape Cod

June 7 – September 17

Look Up! Weathervanes of Cape Cod & the Islands, features 17 weathervanes on loan from Cape Cod museums and private collections.  The history of weathervanes in America dates back hundreds of years, from farmers who carved simple wood forms, to the advent of large manufacturing companies during the 19^th century. The exhibition includes examples of both, as well as a sampling of unusual Cape Cod weathervanes with interesting local stories. All were designed to help people gauge the wind direction and weather before modern meteorological advancements.

Nine of the weathervanes on view are from the collection of Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, MA. These include a copper grasshopper, horse and sulky, and leaping deer as well as two examples of wooden vanes by the renowned 20^th century carver Anthony Elmer Crowell of East Harwich, MA.

Rounding out the display are weathervanes from Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Cotuit, Barnstable, and an unusual usual skeleton weathervane with an original drawing on loan from the Edward Gorey Museum in Yarmouth Port, MA.

The exhibition also includes a step into the 21^st century with an interactive artwork, Be the Wind, by artist Owen Lowery. In this work, visitors are invited to interact with a large screen of colorful images and their gestures alter the movement and speed of the colors.

An ongoing “make a weathervane” children’s craft activity is also included.

The exhibition is family-friendly with interpretive information available for both adults and children. The show is designed to inspire visitors to “Look Up!” after they leave the Museum and notice all the interesting and delightful artwork high above the usual sightline. A collection of pictures of weathervanes submitted by community members will be on view and weathervane pictures can be sent to a special email address, weathervanes@cahoonmuseum.org.

Centaur or Sagittarius Weathervane
W.A. Snow Company, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
1886-1890
From the Collection of Heritage Museums and Gardens