Guest Gallery Talk: “The Shakers”

Join Tonda Tompson, founder and owner of She Slangs Wood Co, for a one-hour guest gallery talk exploring the themes of The Shakers: A World in the Making through the lens of craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and community. Drawing on her experience as a woodworker, business owner, and advocate, Tompson will share her perspective on the exhibition’s themes and concepts. The Shakers: A World in the Making is organized by the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Vitra Design Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, and the Wüstenrot Foundation, in collaboration with Shaker Museum, Chatham, New York. This drop-in experience is included with Museum admission and is free for Members. Admission tickets are available at the door or online. The Milwaukee Art Museum is grateful to its exhibition sponsors. Museum Admission Adults: $27, Children under 12: Free, Members: Free About the speaker: Tonda Thompson is the founder and owner of Creative Holdings, parent company of Valor Creative Collective, Vogue Dreams Production, and She Slangs Wood Co. A serial entrepreneur, carpenter, teacher, and community advocate, Thompson is dedicated to empowering others to lead with confidence and purpose. Following the loss of her first son, Terrell, Thompson expanded her work to address social determinants of health affecting Black maternal, infant, and fetal health. She is the founder of the National Coalition for Healthy Black Families and creator of the HaRUNbee 5K, which honors her son’s life and legacy. Through her work, Thompson continues to build businesses, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for future generations. Image credit: Meetinghouse bench, Canterbury or Enfield, NH, c. 1855 Photo: © Vitra Design Museum / Alex Lesage, courtesy Shaker Museum, Chatham, New York.