In recent years, as an artist I came to a realization that I was at a point of necessary growth when I asked myself, “How are my watercolors unique?”  I have felt a deep need to learn more about the traditions and ways of my people.  I’m turning my focus back to my roots, Pennsylvania German AKA PA Dutch, and Appalachia country. 

”It’s Important to know where you come from to know where you’re going.”  My husband’s pride for his culture made me question my own knowledge of my heritage, or lack of.  My quest to learn more about my ancestors took me to the Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage Center in Kutztown PA where I was able to fulfill a portion of the emptiness when I was introduced to Scherenschnitte, German paper cutting and Fraktur, German Folk-Art.  Through the tour and visit with the genealogist, I realized as a little girl I was exposed to a small portion of Fraktur when my mother sat me down and demonstrated these techniques using paint and paper to create a tulip- the “Fancy Dutch”, as we are called, were very fond of the tulip and it is a flower painted many times over in countless ways, each unique to the individual artist.

They will demonstrate their understanding by using watercolors to paint a well composed birth certificate or family tree Fraktur, including images and border utilizing the elements of design(most specifically line, shape and symmetry) as well as writing in gothic lettering using pen and ink.  Students will present their Fraktur’s to their peers and complete a self evaluation rubric.