<DIV><p style="" class="MsoNormal">“Offering both an extraordinary aesthetic experience and a reasoned account of these delicate ‘gift’ drawings, texts, and songs, Heavenly Visions </I>demonstrates that the Shakers, best known for the austere functionalism of their crafts were, if briefly, extraordinary picture-makers, whose imagery is steeped in symbolism, rich in colour, and elegant in design.” —Art History</I></p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal">For many people, the art of the Shakers is thought to be the furniture, objects, and buildings for which their spiritual communities are perhaps most well known. But this is a misconception: during a spiritual revival in the early nineteenth century, Shakers throughout the eastern United States created some of our nation’s most exceptionally rich, visual, and beautiful artistic treasures. Heavenly Visions </I>includes close to one hundred color plates of Shaker gift drawings and songs, providing a comprehensive overview to these stunning works.</p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Distributed for The Drawing Center</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="" class="MsoNormal">France Morin is curator of the exhibition Heavenly Visions: Shaker Gift Drawings and Gift Songs </I>at The Drawing Center in New York City.</p></DIV>