On August 10, Miranda Peters and Christine Barrera, our summer interns, will be presenting their summer research projects on different aspects of Rufus Porter's work.
On August 12, Eric Beane will offer a guided lecture through the museum focusing on the museum recent structural repairs.
July 22, 5:30-7:30 PM
Recognizing 18th & 19th Century Furniture
Greg Marston, at his studio
As a craftsman specializing in early antiques, Greg will share his unique perspective. He will guide participants in the understanding of antique furniture identification. This presentation utilizes a hands-on approach to recognizing construction details commonly used in antique furniture; including, wood choices, finishes, and tool marks.
July 29, 5:30-7:30 PM
The Early American Kitchin
Holly Ihloff
This illustrated talk will examine the many roles of women in the early American kitchen... cooking, preserving, laundering, weaving, spinning, trade, heavy work, managing household help, medicine-making and nursing. Martha Ballard's diary (1784 -1807) gives us a personal insight into the world of women and work.
Future Lectures:
August 5: Colonial Simples, Holly Ihloff
August 12: The 5th Maine Regiment, Patricia Erikson
August 19: Mills of Bridgton, Ned Allen
August 26: Historic Quilt Block Patterns, Diane Hoppe
Children's art classes will focus on different perspectives of Porter's life, achievements, inventions, and of course his art.
Broken into three age appropriate groups, the classes will meet twice a week for two weeks. Our summer interns, Christine and Miranda, along with local artists will teach participants simple stenciling techniques, theorems, and mural-style floor cloth painting.
5 – 7 year olds will stencil a T-shirt and create a simple lithograph drawing.
The 8 – 11 year old artists will explore more advanced stenciling and create theorems based on our special exhibit.
Older youth, ages 12 – 15 will learn more sophisticated approaches to Rufus Porter's art and life. They will prepare and paint floor cloths in the Porter style.
This unique, fun, and creative experience will appeal to all age groups!
Age 5-7: July 21 & 22, 28 & 29, 9am - 10:30am
Age 8-11: July 21 & 22, 28 & 29, 1pm - 3pm
Age 12-15: August 4 & 5, 9am - 12 noon
The Spring 2010 Newsletter: PDF version, 2.9 MB.
Registration is open for the 2010 Cultural Heritage Series. See the event page for details and updates.
Interest in schoolgirl decorative arts has been on the upswing in recent years, and an important aspect of this is the creation of theorems, which began in the early 1800s and continued through 1840s in school curriculums. Theorems are artistic works created through the use of overlaying stencils, and mostly are laid on paper or velvet using watercolors.
Rufus Porter Museum Advisor Linda Lefko, and Julie Lindberg, Curator, will co-curate an exhibit on Theorems and related freehand watercolors. Linda is the co-author of “The Art of Theorem Painting” and is considered one of the country’s foremost authorities on theorem painting. Typically, the technique of theorem painting was used to paint motifs such as baskets of fruit and flowers, but the process was used to create many other designs– valentines, mourning pictures, tokens of love, and even scenic landscapes.
The Fall 2009 Newsletter: PDF version, 954 KB.
Attendees must present the official Museum Day Admission Card, which is available either in the September 2009 issue of Smithsonian Magazine, or can be downloaded and printed from the Museum Day website. Each Museum Day Admission Card is valid for one person plus one guest and is limited to one per household.
Tasha Tudor
On Thursday, September 10, from 1 to 5 PM, two distinguished Tudor scholars will present their findings. First, Holly Ihloff will share insights concerning clothing and other textiles worn and created by Tasha. Holly lives in Casco, and has contributed her design and talents to museums, including Historic Deerfield and the Wadsworth Longfellow House. Long a devotee of famed illustrator Tasha Tudor, she will help discover and reveal the fine points of the lovely things adored by Tasha. The presentation will center on period clothing, textiles and the craft of creation.
Jeanette Chandler Knazek
A Tasha Tudor High Tea will be served using recipes from the Tasha Tudor Cookbook, courtesy of museum volunteer Nelle Ely. There will also be a tour of the museum that features a world class display of Tasha Tudor items from the collection of Tasha's friend, Julie Lindberg of Radnor, PA. Over 50 original watercolors and works of art, Sparrow Post valentine cards, family photographs, early childhood art and private cards await the visitor.
Holly Ihloff
Seating is very limited for this one-time event. A $50 advance fee will include all the activities. Call 207 647-2828 to reserve your place. The museum is located at 67 No. High Street, Rte. 302, in Bridgton. See our Information page for directions and more information. The museum is open from noon to 5 pm Friday and Saturday after Labor Day until October 11.
More information on Holly Ihloff can be found at www.greatthingsinc.net, and her devotion to organic skin care products produced by Medieval Magic. Holly's talents abound as she is a popular speaker on numerous topics.
This exhibit celebrates the life and legacy of Tudor, who practiced the joy of living by embracing the simpler, gentler aspects of early 19th Century rural life in New England. The Rufus Porter Museum wishes to continue in this sharing with an event that will long be fondly remembered.
The Fall 2008 Newsletter: PDF version, 1 MB.
The Spring 2008 Newsletter: PDF version, 1.2 MB.
The Fall 2007 Newsletter: PDF version, 741 KB.
The Rufus Porter Museum gift shop has books for sale, while supplies last. For ordering information, call the Museum at (207) 647-2828.
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| The 2008 Folk Art Exhibit catalog details the Museum's exhibit during the 2008 Maine Folk Art Trail, plus historical Bridgton art on permanent display at the Museum. The catalog costs $16 (plus tax and postage). | The Museum also has softcover reprints of Jean Lipman's Rufus Porter Rediscovered for $30. Reprints of Porter's Curious Arts will be available by late June. |