AKRON, Ohio — The year 2020 has been full of changes, and an exhibit at the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron coincidentally relates.


What You Need To Know

  • This Winds of Change exhibit at the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron is open for visitors

  • The exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of women suffrage in the U.S.

  • Dynamic sculptures are spread out on the property and informational components inside the Manor House chronicle social change before and during the 1920s

“It was just a crazy coincidence that the name, that this theme, landed in this year with the pandemic going on,” said Julie Frey, Curator at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens.

The Winds of Change exhibit, built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in the U.S., also chronicles social change before and during the 1920s.

“For example, women’s suffrage, prohibition, changes in technology and communication, immigration that was happening in that time in the city of Akron,” said Frey.

Visitors can experience the Winds of Change exhibit inside the Manor House as well as outside in the beautiful gardens.

There are 13 unique sculptures created by local female artists spread out on the property that are now on display through September. Each installation uses wind or motion as a core element of design.

Originally planned to open in April, COVID-19 set the exhibit back and changed the way people will be able to explore it.

“We are only self-guided tours through the manor house, but the buildings are open here on property for guests to come and you know we hope that people will come out,” said Frey.

Frey said learning about local history, helps you learn more about the world.

“You’re sharing the experience with your family, your friends, and you’re doing it in this environment where you are relaxed. You’re having physical beauty all around you, whether you’re inside our manor house or outside on the ground so it’s kind of a holistic aesthetic experience,” said Frey.

“I hope they feel inspired, and kind of like there’s a bit of a sense of normality you know with being back outside and being in a place that’s as big as this. And I hope they feel safe,” added Joe Ott, director of facilities and maintenance.

For more information on how to visit the exhibit, go to https://www.stanhywet.org.