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Amish
Country Arts & Crafts |
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Artistic expression by Lancaster County’s many cultural and ethnic
groups takes a wide variety of forms. Consider the variety of items that
qualify: hex signs, hooked rugs, pottery, baskets, quilts, furniture,
dolls, photographs, etc.
Most visitors are
initially drawn to Lancaster because of the Amish or the area’s rich
history. Quilts have become the most visible and famous product of the
region. While the antique Amish quilts had unique patterns and color
combinations, more recently everyone from the Amish to Vietnamese
immigrants have been involved in making new designs to delight the eye and
modern taste.
Although artistic
expression is generally frowned upon in Amish society, personal expression
is nevertheless revealed in many items besides quilts. Among the Amish it
can be seen in samplers, family records, rugs, dolls, towels, bookplates,
drawings, furniture, boxes, and other household items. According to Daniel
and Kathryn McCauley in their excellent book DECORATIVE ARTS AMONG THE
AMISH OF LANCASTER COUNTY…
The more creative persons
in the Amish community likely experimented first with decorative
utilitarian objects or design in new rug or sampler patterns. If the
church leaders did not censure the maker of the object, a new design was
born… Usually they did not adopt an art form until it was no longer
fashionable among other Pennsylvania German cultures.
In the Amish
decorative arts, the McCauleys see careful design, attention to detail,
natural themes and colors, strength, vibrancy, and the beauty of
simplicity.
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But color and beauty are
expressed by all of the many groups in the area. Hex signs are associated
with the Pennsylvania Germans, although not used by the Amish for
decoration. They were introduced by Lutheran and Reformed people who first
came to Pennsylvania. Designs, many of which were derived from religious
motifs, appeared in many places, on furniture, documents, and the
exteriors of barns. In time, these were misinterpreted as superstitious
symbols. Today colorful hex signs cover a wide range of designs and
meanings, with new contemporary ones introduced from time to time.
Artists and photographers
have long been inspired to depict Amish scenes in their work, ironic in
that the Amish try to avoid being photographed or "posing" for
artists. Nevertheless, stunning photograph books and calendars filled with
glossy pictures seem to be published yearly. Lancaster’s scenic beauty,
historic buildings, and diverse cultures continue to fascinate amateurs
and professionals, and there are prints, sketches, and paintings in every
style that depict the peoples and wonders of Lancaster County. |
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photo courtesy
of Country Road Flowers |
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Where to begin exploring this array of varied arts and crafts? Focus on
your special interests and start looking around. One thing leads to
another. Our list of advertisers is a great resource for everything from
pottery to teddy bears, and dolls to furniture. Even more information is
in the Shopping section of this website.
Whether it is fine art, folk art, handcrafts, antiques, or novelty items,
Amish Country is a treasure trove of riches, yours to discover and
explore.
Amish Country News Cover Article
by Brad Igou (Spring 2001) |
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