Wilton Historical Society Stenciling Workshop for Kids

According to Early American stenciling expert Suzanne Korn, “The history of decorative arts in America includes a colorful chapter between the years of 1778 and 1840, when itinerant wall stencilers roamed New England country roads, painting their colorful folk art in homes, inns, and taverns along the way.”

Wilton Historical Society museum educator Laurie Walker will discuss the simple, colorful folk art, and how and where it appeared, and will show participants a stenciled oil-cloth rug in the Fitch house dining room as an example. The workshop project is a painted and stenciled wooden picture frame. The children will help make their own snack of applesauce.

The workshop is suggested for ages 6-12. The cost for Wilton Historical Society members is $10/child, with a maximum of $25/family; the cost for non-members is $15/child, with a maximum of $35/family. Please register via email or by calling 203.762.7257.

Did You Know?

“The itinerant stenciler would live with the family during the time that he was beautifying their home. Often, his only payment for stenciling the walls in a home would be his food, drink and lodging. We know that some of the early stencilers were farmers by trade, so they would practice their craft during the winter months. Consequently, they often toiled and traveled under harsh conditions. Even when the stenciler secured work, and was safely off the cold, snowy roads, it was not unlikely that many of the rooms he was employed to decorate had no heat! However, when his job was done, and it was time to move on to the next town, the lively and colorful folk art that he would leave behind would brighten and warm even the coldest of rooms with a cheerful and homespun glow! Beautiful flower baskets, graceful willow trees, wildflower sprays and simple vines plump with berries would adorn the walls in a wash of color. The lives of rural New Englanders were enhanced by this simple and quaint decoration, and the dark interiors and plain plastered walls of their homes were made bright with the hope and promise of spring.”   –– Suzanne Korn, Early American stenciling expert