EVENTS: Lincoln County Historical Association offers heritage craft workshops

During the month of March, Lincoln County Historical Association’s education outreach program will offer a series of heritage craft workshops. The workshops will be held on March 2, 16, and 30 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. They will feature stenciling on canvas, basketry, hand brooms, and foil art. The program is generously supported by a grant from the Margaret E. Burnham Charitable Trust.

The March 2 workshop features brooms and foil art. Small brooms are handy to have in hand, and it is an added plus when they add to the home’s interior decor. Kathy Horton has studied the use of broom corn in the American Colonies – from the theories of who brought in the first seeds, to the time when broom corn brooms (the common broom of today) began to catch on as a necessary household item. She will teach participants how to make a wing-shaped broom (approx. 12-inch long) using broom corn.

During the second part of this workshop Louise Miller will introduce participants to foil art, also referred to as tinsel art. This art skill is similar to reverse painting on glass but is not as exacting. One does not have to excel at drawing to enjoy designing a simple picture which is then enhanced with foil.

The March 16 workshop features baskets. Baskets of all types are well-loved possessions. Allison Brown, an accomplished basket maker, will share her knowledge of basket technique. She will lead participants in the creation of a useful five inch square basket from the preparation of materials through the completion of the basket, with suggestions about color and accent details.

A workshop on stenciling or painting on canvas will be held on March 30. This was a popular technique used to produce floor coverings in the early American colonies and well into the 19th century. Painted floor cloths were often more affordable than woven tapestry or knotted (oriental) rugs. It is known that both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson had painted floor cloths in their homes. In this workshop, Rebecca Manthey will teach the technique using placemat-size pieces of canvas. Stencils, paints, and other materials will be provided. Rebecca has studied traditional designs and her work has included large 5′ x 7′ floor cloths.

The cost of each workshop is $35. All materials will be provided. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. Email the LCHA office at lchamaine1954@gmail.com or call 207 882-6817 to register or to request more information.

The March 2 workshop will be held in the Fellowship Room on the lower level of the Second Congregational Church, 51 Main Street, Newcastle. In the event of a snowstorm, the workshop will be rescheduled and all participants will be notified. Location of the subsequent workshops to be announced. Participants are welcome to bring a snack; coffee and tea will be provided.

Lincoln County Historical Association is a nonprofit organization that provides stewardship for the 1754 Chapman-Hall House in Damariscotta, the 1761 Pownalborough Court House, in Dresden, and the 1811 Old Jail and Museum, in Wiscasset. For more information, please visit www.lincolncountyhistory.org, Facebook at Lincoln County Historical Association (Maine) or Pownalborough Court House Museum.