At this Saturday morning workshop, you’ll learn the fascinating history behind Pennsylvania redware pottery and create your own set of ornaments.
Participants will start with a prepared slab of red clay with white slip and cut out at least five ornament shapes. Using the sgraffito method, students will scratch through the slip, creating decorative fraktur designs. All provided patterns will be taken from historic Pennsylvania German redware. Instructor Emily Smucker-Beidler will also detail some of the history behind the art form, including how red clay was mined and processed, and the role and life of a potter within historic Pennsylvania German culture.
All ability levels are welcome, ages 13-100.
After the workshop, Emily will bisque fire your pieces, cover them in a clear glaze and fire once more. Ornaments can be picked up at Mennonite Life approximately four weeks following the event (see our hours here) or mailed for an extra fee.
The Crossover of Redware and Fraktur:
Fraktur was created by Pennsylvania Germans during the eighteenth through the mid-nineteenth centuries and features calligraphic text decorated with colorful birds, hearts and flowers. The tradition has its roots in the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe but evolved into a distinctive part of the local Pennsylvania German culture. At the same time, early Pennsylvania Germans were creating utilitarian red ware pieces for everyday use. The same images used in fraktur were used on plates, bowls, and all manner of practical clay pieces.
About Emily:
Ever since sixth grade, Emily Smucker-Beidler has been creating fraktur after learning from Roma Ruth, a well respected fraktur artist from Montgomery County, PA. After receiving an Art Education degree and Master’s degree in Art Education, Emily made her 33 year career in teaching art her passion, while continuing to create custom fraktur for hundreds of clients. Ten of those years were spent teaching advanced ceramics at the high school level. Now, as a newly retired teacher, she combines her experience in both clay and fraktur, as well as an enthusiasm for teaching to her Folk Art workshops and welcomes artists of all ages and ability levels.
In the case of inclement weather, this workshop will take place Saturday, February 21.
Mennonite Life members, don’t forget to use your member password at checkout (in the “coupon code” box) for 10% off your ticket price!
