New England's Timeless Decoration: The Folk Art of Moses Eaton, Jr. and Rufus Porter
My next presentation will be at the Amesbury Public Library, Amesbury Massachusetts on Monday, October 22, 2012 6-8pm.
It will be a fun and informative evening where attendees will learn about the
tremendous impact the folk art of Eaton and Porter had on the lives of rural New
Englanders in Federal period America.
The evening will feature a
slideshow of my journeys throughout New England, where I have conducted
research in homes, inns and taverns with Eaton's historic wall stenciling and
Porter's signature landscape murals. The history of wall stenciling in New
England, the life and times of Moses Eaton, Jr., and the genius of Rufus Porter,
are all topics that will be explored. Some exciting new research regarding Rufus
Porter will also be discussed.
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Suzanne has been researching, studying and
writing about early New England wall stenciling for over 10 years, and her
research has been published in The Decorator, a publication of the Historical
Society of Early American Decoration. In 2005, Suzanne completed a project at
North Reading's David Damon Tavern, where she stenciled the walls of the
Historical Society's Welcome Center in the tradition of 19th century stenciler,
Moses Eaton, Jr.
About Me
- Vintage New England Stenciling
- As a self-described student of Rufus Porter and Moses Eaton, Jr., both 19th century New England folk artists, my mission is to preserve the memories of the enchanting folk art designs, patterns, and paintings that at one time graced the walls of homes, inns, and taverns in federal period America. Through my published research, illustrated talks, and artwork, I endeavor to teach and inspire others about this wonderful decorative folk art and the extraordinary role Eaton and Porter’s art played in the lives of 19th century rural New Englanders. My professional associations include the Historical Society of Early American Decoration (HSEAD), Historic New England (SPNEA), and the International Decorative Artisans League. I am also an advisor to The Center for Painted Wall Preservation, an organization dedicated to the research and preservation of eighteenth and early nineteenth century American paint-decorated plaster walls.