A representation gap, the decoding of cultural success and a sense of fraternal culture all come together in a rare art display at the Taft Museum of Art: Mystery & Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art.
Mystery & Benevolence includes 80 works of art that show the practices of organizations like the Freemasons and Independent Order of the Odd Fellows, fraternal organizations long shrouded in mystery. These secret societies have grown their communities using ceremonial symbols, clothing and furnishings as well as educational aides — unique items that will be on display at the Taft Museum of Art from Feb. 1-May 11.
“This special exhibition not only brings to light the positive impacts of the organizations and their local Cincinnati ties but also recognizes the influence of those left out of the historical picture,” said Taft Museum of Art’s Associate Curator Ann Glasscock in a press release.
This rich history is revealed through cryptic ciphers, rites and vows that highlight the exclusivity of the organizations. The exhibit also features items and artwork from organizations like the Daughters of Rebekah and the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, created by women, Black men and other minorities who were excluded from predominantly white groups like the Freemasons.
Mystery & Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art will be open Feb. 1- May 11 at the Taft Museum of Art. Tickets are free for Taft members, military and youth (17 and under); $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. Admission to the Taft Museum of Art is free on Sundays and Mondays. For more information about the exhibit, visit taftmuseum.org.
This article appears in Jan 8-21, 2025.