Historical Society of Early American Decoration
FOLK ART SCHOOL
September 25-28, 2025
Wyndham Southbury Hotel
Southbury, CT
Agenda
Friday, May 2, 2025
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Registration: Plaza Ballroom Foyer
2:00 p.m.
Exhibition Opens: Plaza Ballroom A&B
6:00 p.m.
Reception: Pleasantville
7:00 pm — Banquet: Pleasantville
Associate Curator of American Decorative Arts, American Wing, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Highlights of the American Wing
10:00 p.m.
Exhibition Closes: Plaza Ballroom A&B
Saturday, May 3, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast: Pleasantville
8:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.
Registration: Plaza Balroom Foyer
8:45 a.m.
Board Motor Coach: Main Lobby
9:00 a.m.
Exhibition Opens: Plaza Ballroom A&B
9:00 a.m.
Depart for NYC
9:45 a.m.
Arrive at the Met
Visit and Lunch at Liberty
3:50 p.m.
Board Coach for Return Trip
4:00 p.m.
Depart NYC
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Registration: Plaza Balroom Foyer
6:00 p.m.
Reception: Mix Restaurant
7:00 pm — Banquet: Mix Restaurant
10:00 p.m.
Exhibition Closes: Plaza Ballroom A&B
Sunday, May 4, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Exhibition Opens: Pleasantville
9:00 a.m.
Exhibition Opens: Plaza Ballroom A&B
Noon
Exhibition Closes: Plaza Ballroom A&B
Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Members collect exhibited Items: Plaza Ballroom A&B
Classes
Free Hand Bronze Techniques
Polly Bartow
Free hand bronze (FHB) is a traditional method of decorating trays, boxes, and other items by which loose bronzing powders are applied freehand using a brush into a tacky paint or varnish surface to “paint” beautiful flowers, leaves, animals, and even whole scenes. The process produces luminous results that may be enhanced by transparent color washes or painted details.
In this class we will explore various FHB methods. You will take home samples on paper and you will paint a small box in a delightful FHB scenic design. Class will be focused on building skills while having fun!
Class lab fee of $60 includes 6″ x 8.5″ x 4″ solid wood hinged-lid box prepared and ready for your decoration, black paper, architect’s linen, patterns, several design samples, and complete printed instructions. Supply list sent upon registration.
Embellished Watercolors
Linda Brubaker
In this class we will learn new techniques while we create paintings in watercolor. Among the techniques included will be instruction on the creative use of masking fluid and how it can be used to create very dark backgrounds that make your primary image really pop. We will then use gold, mica, and crushed glass glitter to tastefully enhance our creations. A supply list will be sent upon registration.
Bellows Painting
Anne Dimock
Bellows painting incorporates many different styles.
Depending on the pattern you select, you may be doing gold leaf, free hand bronze, stenciling, painting or some combination. I can help you with all of these techniques.
It will be necessary for you to pick a pattern by the Spring meeting so you can prepare your bellows. I have received a number of bellows from friends for this class and if you are in need of one, those will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. I also have some of mine for ale. To make. the selection process easier, I have a photo inventory of my bellows and patterns which I will be happy to send along to you if you wish to attend the class. Contact me at adimock@twcny.rr.com.
Your supply list will vary depending on which genre you select. I would be happy to help you with that as well.
Printed Books: Japanese Stab Binding and Pop-ups with Drumleaf Binding
Annie Lee-Zimerle
In this class, we will explore printed books featuring pop-ups, learn about drum leaf binding and discover a variety of Japanese bookbinding structures.
First, we will create our own decorative printed papers using a simple printmaking technique that doesn’t require a press. Then, you will use these printed papers to. craft your own unique pop-up artist book, which will be completed with drum leaf binding.
We will also construct various structures of Japanese bookbinding. You will explore a range of bindings from simple to moderately complex, including daifuku-ch binding, yamato-toji binding, noble binding, and hemp leaf binding.
You will leave this class with a one-of-a-kind printed pop-up book, a set of Japanese-style bound books, and the knowledge of how to make more.
Nantucket Woven Basket
Mary Emery Lacouriere
Learn to weave a Nantucket basket in this weekend workshop. Each student will weave their own 7″ Nantucket Basket with a turned cherry base, rim, and handle. The proportion of this basket resembles the popular egg basket with a low profile and tall handle. We will be using hardwood cherry staves for this basket, making the finished project one of elegance. This project is great for both beginner and experienced weavers.
Supply cost of $130 includes all the materials you need to complete your project.
Women's Painted Furniture: Paper-covered Wood Boxes
Eve Marschark
Did you know that some Women’s Painted Furniture (WPF) sewing boxes and work boxes were covered with images painted on paper? They were bright and beautiful when new, and while few have survived, those that Betsy Salm *and her husband, Tom, have rescued show delightful patterns with gold foil edging that highlight the colorful images.
We will be using inexpensive boxes, watercolor paper, acrylic or watercolor paints (your choice) to create artful vignettes to apply to the box and then edge with striking, Dresden gold foil. Images are all from the historically correct reference, The Ladies’ Amusement, by Robert Sayer.
If you have already begun a project, whether on wood or paper, you may continue your work in this workshop. Beginners are encouraged to sign up, as all aspects of work will be reviewed and demonstrated as needed.
Supply fee of $40 covers the prepped box, paper, and Dresden Foil. No supply fee for students who are working on projects of their own.
*Betsy is the author of Women’s Painted Furniture, 1790-1830: American Schoolgirl Art. Tom enabled Betsy’s collecting habit by scouting out some of her treasures.
Paper Pin Pricking
Parma Jewett
Pin pricking on paper was done in the late 1700’s to the mid 1800’s. It is sometimes called paper piercing and has also had been referred to as Victorian and Georgian pin pricking. It was a form of art which was sometimes taught in academies for young women. There are also some examples of limited pin pricking on fraktures. Many paper valentines were embellished with pin pricking like the example pictured.
This class will be working on a very refined pin pricking piece of the lady pictured here. This piece is framed; however, it does not have a backing. This is so the piece when hung by a light source or in a window displays the pin pricking work.
Today many artists are incorporating pin pricking into their work and are calling it paper embroidery.
Class Fee: $40.00
Registration: $175
Hotel Information
Wyndham Southbury
1284 Strongtown Rd.
Southbury, CT 06488
Room Rates
$Single/Double: $149 per night, not including fees and taxes
Triple: $159 per night
Quad: $169 per night
* Does not include taxes and fees.
Room Information
Check-In: 3 pm
Check Out: 12 pm
The classes will take place at Wyndham Southbury, in Southbury, Connecticut. The hotel is located at 1284 Strongtown Rd. Southbury, CT, which is right off Rte 84 at Exit 16 on CT 188N.
Check in your hotel room is at 3pm. Students may set up their workspace in their assigned classroom at 4pm. Classes run from 7 to 9 pm on Thursday evening; from 9am to 4:30 on Friday and Saturday and from 9am until noon on Sunday with 1hr for lunch. Hotel checkout is noon
Registration Information
Or call 203-653-8179. If you call in your reservation make sure that you ask for the Historical Society of Early American Decoration Group rate. Avoid double booking by having a designated member of your party make the room reservations for everyone who will be residing in that room.
Meals
Except for the Sunday evening banquet, you’re on your own for meals which can be taken at the hotel or nearby. Each room is equipped with a small refrigerator, and a Keurig type coffee maker. You may rent a small microwave, if needed.
The Saturday evening banquet is buffet style and will feature vegetarian selections, salads, entrees, breads, desserts, and beverages. Please contact Polly Bartow at pollytb55@gmail.com for special meals requests.