Expressions of Common Hands: Folk Art of the Pennsylvania Dutch

Expressions of Common Hands explores the rich heritage of folk art of the Pennsylvania Dutch including painted barns, tinware, furniture, pottery and a distinctive form of illustrated calligraphy known as Fraktur. These diverse modes of expression were created not in the academies and salons of the elite, but in the hamlets, towns and cities of America. This intimate tour into the world of folk art provides both a window into the past and a new perspective on the present, revealing traditions that have endured through generations, drawing us closer to artists and craftsmen who helped shape the American aesthetic. Folk art relates to heart and soul of a people. It has to do with family, home and heritage but it also has to do with the individual ingenuity and creativity of an artist. See how today’s artisans keep the traditional forms and techniques alive while incorporating a few innovations. Journey through time and discover why the Folk Art of the Pennsylvania Dutch is as cherished today by museums and large private collectors as it is by everyday households around the world.