Lost Art of Women’s Painted Furniture
By Betsy Krieg Salm
The work done by American schoolgirls (1790-1830) was a part of the curriculum in New England rural schools and academies. This early American decorative art form is largely unknown to museum curators, antique dealers, art historians and the general public.
Betsy Krieg Salm revitalizes these unrecognized women and validates the historic contributions of their art work; the women were practical artists who ornamented domestic items for their homes, families, loved ones and friends. Salm brings her unique perspective as a scholar, artisan and teacher to this lost art. For the first time, women's painted furniture is rediscovered.
Betsy Krieg Salm is a scholar, artisan and teacher of the long-lost art of women’s painted furniture. She has exhibited her own work at more than sixty prestigious shows. She lectures at museums and workshops, and teaches women’s painted furniture ornamentation for the Historical Society of Early American Decoration, needle worker guilds, colleges and art institutions.
A book signing will follow the lecture.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Denver Botanic Gardens – Gates Hall
6:30 – 8 p.m.