NEWS SAIC
Headwear Awards
Living Felt: A Manifesto
Saar Snoek at Museu da Chapelaria 6 May – 27 September 2026
Museu da Chapelaria is currently presenting Living Felt: A Manifesto, a temporary exhibition by Dutch artist and felt maker Saar Snoek. The exhibition offers a comprehensive overview of her ongoing research into the intersection of innovative felt- making techniques and traditional hat-making practices. A sculptor and painter, Saar Snoek creates wearable works of art ranging from hats to organic sculptures. Drawing inspiration from the mathematical patterns found in nature, she develops pieces that blur the boundaries between functional objects, sensory experiences and sculptural forms. Her creative process combines a rigorous understanding of felting techniques with experimentation and an exploration of unexpected materials. The exhibition features 35 hats
alongside a series of felt sculptures, showcasing the breadth of Snoek’s artistic practice. Visitors can also engage with the making process through a tactile wall, process videos and a work previously presented at the internationally renowned World of Wearable Art Show. Museu da Chapelaria has long been dedicated not only to the
preservation and history of hat making but also to supporting its future development as a living craft. In conjunction with the exhibition, the museum organised a masterclass for design students, during which Snoek shared insights into her artistic practice, her approach to ‘sculpting with wool felt’, and the creative freedom offered by hand felting compared to working with industrially produced materials. She also reflected on the challenges and opportunities of sustaining a slow, craft-based practice in an increasingly fast-paced world.
A global leader in art and design education for over 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers specialist courses in sculptural headwear and advanced millinery. Students demonstrating exceptional skill and creativity are eligible for the annual Raymond Hudd Millinery Award, presented in recognition of excellence in millinery construction. SAIC’s Headwear Awards were initiated nearly two decades ago by millinery professor Eia Radosavljevic, in honour of Chicago milliner and SAIC alumnus Raymond Hudd (1924–2011) who was well known for his bold, whimsical hat designs and was often referred to as ‘the Mad Hatter of the Midwest’. The annual Headwear Awards have expanded to include other prizes from supporting donors, including The Hat Magazine.
More information
www.saic.edu
This year’s awards
• The Raymond Hudd Millinery Award 1st Prize Coby Wichael ($1000) 2nd Prize Eoghan Fischer ($750) 3rd Prize Georgina Bowman ($500) 4th Prize Jenni Warren ($250) and Lydia Ingram ($250)
• The DAKOtravail Worker Award: Coby Wichael ($500)
• M&S Schmalberg Flowers Award: Jenni Warren (value $180)
From left to right: Georgina Bowman, Coby Wichael, Lydia Ingram, Jenni Warren and Eoghan Fischer
• The Hat Magazine Award: Josie Ross (value $100)
• Judith M Millinery Supply House Award: Eoghan Fischer (value $100)
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