Fanciful Fraktur Birds – January 22

Instructor:   Emily Smucker-Beidler

Skill Level: Beginner

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. Today, those who appreciate this colorful folk art enjoy drawing their own fraktur designs based on the work of the early fraktur artists.

In this workshop, students will be shown some “tricks” to drawing their own fanciful birds in the Fraktur style, as well as patterns from original, historic works. They will then complete a small, 5×7 Fraktur bird.  All materials are included. Participants may bring their own watercolors or purchase a watercolor set, (with colors specific to the Fraktur style,) from the instructor for $10.

A materials fee of $20 is included in the tuition. Students will leave with a watercolor palette specific to fraktur, as well as all other supplies to complete a 5×7 piece.

About the Instructor: Emily Smucker-Beidler has been teaching art in public schools for 22 years. She currently teaches in the Hempfield schools.  Her artistic education began at her grandmother’s knee, who once confided in her that she’d “rather quilt than eat.” She also provided Emily’s first color theory lesson. “In braiding rugs,” she said, “you should always start with two dulls and one bright.” Then she leaned a little closer and added, “But my mother liked bright colors. Sometimes she would use two brights and one dull.”  Since then Emily’s knowledge of color theory has been broadened by a degree in art education from Goshen College and a master’s in art education from Millersville University.

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