For Immediate Release
More Information: Dave Fooks, 610-683-1537 ;
email: dave@kutztownfestival.com
Photos Available Upon Request

TRADITION ABOUNDS IN FOLK ART AND CRAFTS AT THE 2008 KUTZTOWN FOLK FESTIVAL

The best examples of Pennsylvania German and early American folk art and crafts are found in the outstanding works of two hundred of the nation's most skilled artisans who will be at the 2008 Kutztown Folk Festival, June 28- July 6 at the Kutztown Fairgrounds.

Admirers and collectors return to the festival each year to seek out craftsmen who work in traditional wood carving, metal, pottery, decorative design, and other specialties. Many of these artisans are acknowledged as the most accomplished in their particular areas, and they have been demonstrating and selling their wares at the Kutztown Folk Festival for many years.

“The excellence of our crafts is recognized nationally. Sourcebook , an independent publication which annually evaluates hundreds of craft shows throughout the United States ranks the Kutztown Folk Festival 9 th in the entire country,” reports Festival Executive Director Dave Fooks.

Traditions and skills that date to the early 19 th century are found in the folk art and crafts at the festival. Many of the techniques used in these specialties have been passed down in families over generations. Originally, wares were functional, distinctive and, in many cases, exquisite. They often included folk art themes reflecting family life, religion, popular myths and the rural landscape.

Included in the 2008 festival will be fine furniture, miniatures, pottery, clothing, musical instruments, hand-painted art, iron ornaments, weavings, brooms, baskets, florals, hex sign painting, jewelry, leather, cut paper art

known as “scherenschnitte,” Pennsylvania German calligraphic writing called "fraktur", beeswax candles and more.

Eastern Pennsylvania 's finest traditional hex sign painters – in fact the last hex sign artists in the nation - are among the folk artists at the 2008 festival. For decades, Ivan Hoyt and Bill Schuster have demonstrated and sold their barn signs, milk cans, and decorative miniatures at the Kutztown Folk Festival. Eric Claypoole carries on the hex art painting traditions learned from his late father, Johnny Claypoole, who in turn learned hex sign painting in the 1950's from the legendary Johnny Ott .

Redware artists Ned Foltz and Lester Breininger will create and sell their distinctive pottery at the festival. In the early 1800's, Pennsylvania Germans started making redware - the name is derived from the rich red color of the iron deposits in the clay used in the process. Red clay is abundant in southeastern Pennsylvania .

Since all of the artisans at the festival demonstrate their work, visitors can view the entire process of creating a product. Craftsmen explain what they are doing and gladly answer all of their questions.

Now in its 59th year, the Kutztown Folk Festival features a wide variety of good family fun. In addition to lots of Pennsylvania Dutch food, there are numerous folklife presentations; nearly 2,500 locally hand-made quilts on display and for sale; antiques and collectables, 6 stages of entertainment, music, dancing, and a wide range of children's activities.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission for adults is $12, seniors $11. Children 12 and under are admitted free. There is ample free parking and free shuttle service is offered from the Festival parking areas to the fairgrounds. For a free brochure, please call 1-888-674-6136 or 610-683-1597. Visit the Festival website at http://www.kutztownfestival.com

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