Last week, as part of my ongoing series of photos of New England Craftsmen, I traveled to North Adams (all the while wishing I was making the drive during peak foliage) to visit Karen King and her Scout Millinery. Karen is spending the year in North Adams as part of a Mass MOCA grant program, and we spent the morning chatting about all things hats and dogs - one of which I knew a little about, the other of which I now know a little about.
For the uninitiated, millinery is the art of making women’s hats. In Karen’s case, she creates gorgeous handmade pieces from straw and felt. During my time in her studio, I photographed her working with both materials and couldn’t have been more impressed - plus she’s just great company to spend a morning with.
If your travels lead you to the state’s northwesternmost corner, I highly recommend paying a visit to Karen’s studio (plus she shares the space with a few other amazing artists as well). I promise it won’t be a day wasted - and stay tuned for some more craftsmen over the next few weeks, including a visit with a company that handmakes baseball bats on Cape Cod.