African Head Wrap Shows Fashion, Style

Aug 2, 2017

head wrapping workshop — Monique Fisher, who has been wearing a variety of colorful and symbolic head wraps for many years, leads a special workshop on how to efficiently and artistically sport them to a large, attentive crowd at the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center.

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – G. Angela Henry went to Saturday’s African-American Woman’s Head Wrap workshop to pick up some key pointers on the deeply rich art form; she ended up walking away with a great deal more.

“In addition to learning the art of wraps, I learned some history too,” said Henry, who eagerly asked questions during the unique workshop.

Monique Fisher, who has been wearing a variety of colorful and symbolic head wraps for many years, leads a special workshop on how to efficiently and artistically sport them to a large, attentive crowd Saturday afternoon at the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center in Poughkeepsie.

“I was as fascinated by the beautiful shapes Monique created as I was by the shift wraps have taken over the generations.”

It were those very intentions Monique Fisher had when she brought an assortment of diversely colorful and versatile head wraps to the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center, where she patiently demonstrated the special art form that can add welcomed pizzazz to any outfit or occasion. As she did so, she encouraged her audience with words of simplicity and efficiency.

“You just tuck and play with it; it’s really all about the tuck,” affirmed Fisher, who step-by-step went through the entire head wrapping process unique to each scarf. “You see how quickly it can be done, becoming just an everyday scarf.”

In addition to Fisher unraveling the intricacies of head wraps using herself as a “model,” she also had guests come to the front of the room, where she either wrapped their heads with one of the many scarves or had them practice the technique themselves. It’s that hands-on teaching approach that is pivotal to the Mid-Hudson Heritage Center’s co-sponsor of the event, the Folk Arts Program of Arts of the Mid-Hudson, led by Elinor Levy.

“This whole idea came about last winter when one of my advisory board members, Josephine Greene, suggested I bring Monique Fisher here because she thought it would be a good workshop,” recalled Levy. “My goal is to bring interactive workshops here, as I want people to have experiences, whether it’s something that sparks interest or is just a one time thing, just creating an atmosphere where people can ask questions they always wanted to ask.”

And the questions did emerge. Whether it was a query about how to start with a good base for a wrap, the historic significance and symbolism of wraps during slavery times or the new role they have acquired through their evolution in society, the audience was fully drawn in during their three hour entertaining and educational experience.

“I came here today to experience the art form of head wraps, as I wore them years ago and wanted to revisit the craft that I loved,” explained guest Nancy E. Ewing of Poughkeepsie. “It was an excellent presentation today; I loved her authenticity and freedom of style, flare and confidence.” Ewing added about Fisher, “I learned about the simplicity of the ‘bun wrap;’ it is a very classic, easy to wear style that I will now use for my everyday wear.”

The Arts Mid-Hudson has several other events planned for the near future. On Saturday, August 2 in Kingston, they will team up with Hudson River Maritime Museum for “Long Island Traditions,” a special presentation of fisherman tales. Then, On September 24, they come to Beacon for Spirit of Beacon Day,” where they will be presenting “One River, Many Streams.”

To learn more, visit their website at: www.artsmidhudson.org. or call them at: (845) 454-3222.