Thank you for attending the DECORATIVE ARTS COLLECTION  seminar with BETSY EDWARDS, Vice President and Treasurer of DAC.

This Seminar Archive may be saved to your hard-drive or printed for personal use only.  It may not be reproduced or distributed without written permission.

Decorative Arts Collection
TRANSCRIPT LOG OF 11-11-2004


The Photo Exhibits will open in a new window for you to view them.
Please remember to click the upper uight corner X on the Photo Exhibit's
window to return to this window after you have viewed the Photograph.

 

Decorative painting originated outside of academic art classes and the professional painters’ workshops. Most early examples of decorative painting are found on functional items: buckets, furniture, walls, carts, lamps, watering cans, etc. Often decorative painting is synonymous with folk art. Folk art is the happiness of a farmer as he decorates the stool he uses for milking; the love of beauty a new wife shows as she paints wildflowers on her kitchen cupboard; the hope of a young man as he adds symbolic embellishments to a bride’s box for his beloved. Decorative painting and folk art touch us emotionally; exuberant colors and designs make us smile.
Many designs in decorative painting are stylized, the untrained artist’s joyful interpretation of the world around him (her). It is the desire to express this joy and to beautify the appearance of common objects that leads the people to paint – to paint on anything and everything! Each country or region has its own distinctive style of painting.

Photo Exhibit

Think about it – the first decorative painters were the cave men who decorated the walls of their caves with images of plants, animals and people. Today we continue to satisfy our need to express ourselves and to improve our surroundings through decorative painting.

As decorative painters, I’m sure you’ve heard of the DAC, but what do you really know about the Decorative Arts Collection (DAC)? Is the DAC part of the Society of Decorative Painters (SDP)? If one belongs to SDP, is one automatically a member of the DAC? Can an artist participate in the DAC annual competition if not a member of SDP? What is the DAC competition anyway?

Even before there was a DAC, members of the Society of Decorative Painters had a vision: to collect and preserve fine examples of historic and contemporary decorative art. Early on, Society past presidents served as an advisory committee to aid in the collection of selected decorative, functional pieces. In 1980, members of the SDP Board of Directors met with Dr. Marion Nelson (director of the Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, IA) to discuss plans for a museum of decorative art. It was Dr. Nelson’s recommendation that a collection be assembled before planning a museum; he suggested that museum not be a part of the organization’s name, hence, the Decorative Arts Collection (one of the 15 different names submk art. Also on display are contemporary works from many Master Decorative Painters and well known decorative artists from the U. S., Canada, itted). Originally, the DAC was a committee of the SDP; the same Board of Directors governed both organizations. In 1998 the DAC and the SDP were formally separated. Today the DAC is governed by a 6 member Board of Trustees: Andy Jones, president, Betsy Edwards, vice president, Shea Szachara, secretary, Gretchen Cagle, Shirley Miller and Julie Reeves. These 6 people and Jayne McNinny, DAC coordinator, are responsible for all things concerning the collection.

Ann Kingslan, MDA, TDA, SDP president 1982-83 and Julie Reeves, SDP president 1983-84 were instrumental in founding the DAC. Julie Reeves says that during the meeting discussing possible names for the DAC, Joan Johnson, MDA, sat quietly with sketchbook in hand. By the time they had settled on a name, Joan had drawn 11 logo designs from which to choose!

Gretchen Cagle, CDA, purchased the first pieces for the DAC. Gretchen was SDP President at the time and was on the lookout for fine examples of decorative painting. One of the first pieces purchased was an early American tin goose-necked coffeepot. This has become the signature piece of the Collection and is one of our most valuable acquisitions.

SDP and the DAC are intertwined; they are sibling corporations - both are dedicated to the celebration of the art form of decorative painting. The Decorative Arts Collection Incorporated was formed in 1982, 10 years after the founding of SDP. The purpose of the DAC (then and now) is: “To collect, display and preserve decorative art and to present public forums, panels, lectures and other similar programs to increase public awareness and appreciation for the decorative arts within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and shall present instruction to the public and individuals for the purpose of improving or developing their capabilities in the field of decorative arts.” It is the goal of the DAC to collect and preserve outstanding examples of historic and contemporary decorative art, to maintain a museum collection and to educate the public about decorative painting.

Currently the DAC Museum of Decorative Painting is housed in the SDP building in Wichita, KS. It is open to the public, and is worth a visit if you are in that vicinity. It is a treat to see decorative painting from all over the world and from several centuries. You will find examples of Chinese pith painting, Norwegian Rosemaling, Russian lacquered miniatures, English narrow boat painting, Dutch Hindeloopen, Chinoiserie and early American folArgentina, England, Australia, Japan, Russia, Holland and many other countries. No matter what your favorite style of decorative painting, you will find it here. This is the only museum in the world devoted only to decorative painting.

Photo Exhibit

Each year the DAC sponsors a competition to search out the best in contemporary decorative painting. Any artist may enter. There are no membership or residency requirements. Entry forms and criteria may be obtained by sending a request to Jayne McNinny, DAC Coordinator, DAC Museum of Decorative Painting, 393 N. McLean Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203; jan@decorativepainters.org . Entries are juried in February of each year, and the judging takes place at the annual SDP Conference. Winners are awarded purchase prizes and become part of the permanent collection of the DAC.

In 2003, the DAC mounted its first Exhibition, The Fathers of American Decorative Painting. This exhibition was dedicated to Peter Hunt, Peter Ompir and Per Lysne, the three men credited with reviving interest in decorative painting in the United States. Perhaps you were fortunate enough to see the “three Peters” exhibition at the annual SDP Conference in Indianapolis, in Wichita or at New England Traditions in Providence, RI. If so, you know how wonderful it was to see the works of all three men in one place and to learn about their lives and careers.

Photo Exhibit

Photo Exhibit

Photo Exhibit

Photo Exhibit
The second DAC Exhibition was mounted this year: A Sentimental Collection of Roses - more than 80 international artists painted rose themed articles for this exhibition. It is delightful to see how each artist interprets the rose and to read what each has to say about this favorite flower. A Sentimental Collection of Roses (the exhibition) and a book by the same name premiered at the 2004 SDP Conference in Phoenix. The Rose Collection was then on view in Wichita, KS, Columbus, OH, and is now on a 6-city tour of Japan.

Photo Exhibit

Photo Exhibit

Doesn’t this sound exciting? Don’t you want to be a part of the preservation of the art of decorative painting? Don’t you want to help to educate others – to spread the word and the pleasures of our art form? You can. You can become a friend of the DAC. As a Friend of the DAC, you pay $35 annually. Your money helps to support the DAC and the acquisition and maintenance of fine examples of decorative painting and to preserve techniques and knowledge of decorative art. As a Friend of the DAC you will receive the DAC Newsletter and you are eligible for discounts on DAC merchandise (charms, note cards, etc.). As an added inducement to become a Friend, the DAC has initiated a Friends Renewal Incentive Program. When you become a Friend (or renew) anytime between now and June 30, 2004, you will receive a pewter-like gooseneck coffeepot pin. When you renew each year, you will receive a limited edition porcelain pin representing a piece in the DAC. The Friendship year runs from July 1 of a given year until June 30 of the following year. If you attend SDP’s annual Conference, you can always renew there or send in your renewal by mail. To receive each year’s porcelain pin you must renew in consecutive years; if you should not renew for one or more years, you will revert to the coffeepot pin and lose the opportunity to own the current porcelain pin.

Jo Sonja Jansen MDA,VGM, painted an oval bentwood box representing some of her favorite things: guardian angels, rosy-cheeked elves, scarlet hearts and tulips. The design on the lid of this box is the original for the first Friends renewal pin –it’s wonderful! Those who renew their memberships for 2005 – 06 will receive a beautiful rose pin designed by Ginger Edwards. Each year only enough renewal pins will be made for the number of members in the previous year.

Please become a Friend of the DAC. You will help to secure a place in history for decorative painting.

 

<<< Question & Answer Session >>>

Nova: *applause*
pmthomas: *applause* *applause*
ViaVon: **This concludes Betsy's official presentation** and we welcome the opportunity for Questions and Answers. :-) Please remember to type an *asterisk* to put yourself into queue.l
Betsy_E: Now everyone knows that I am computer imparied
ViaVon: Betsy -- THANK YOU for such a detailed and visually awesome presentation!!
Nova: *applause*
ViaVon: ((((Betsy)))) computer issues notwithstanding -- your information was wonderful!
ViaVon: Does anyone have questions for Betsy, besides me?
 pmthomas: yes and the visuals were wonderful
Betsy_E: thank you
pmthomas: no sorry not at this point
pmthomas: gotta run and thanks again really enjoyed it
Nova: *
ViaVon: Betsy, I read that we have to "renew by June 30, 2004" ?? We're passed that mark -- is it June 2005 or ??
Betsy_E: yes - 2005 is correct - I made a mistake in enteriing the date
ViaVon: ok -- thanks! :-)
ViaVon: Joanie --- go ahead with your question
Nova: Thank-you for a wonderful presentation Betsy, my question is can we view more of these paintings on line anywhere?
Betsy_E: yes - at different times the SDP website will have varioous items in the DAC section -
Betsy_E: AND - the DAC is launching a new wedsite soon
ViaVon: *applause*
Nova: Thank-you Betsy, and I will watch for the DAC site
ViaVon: looking forward to that new website!
AmandaB: thankyou betsy
MaryEllen=TX: *applause*
ViaVon: Does anyone else have any questions for Betsy?
MaryEllen=TX: Thank you, Betsy!!
Betsy_E: you are very welcome
ViaVon: Betsy, will the exhibits be touring other countries besides Japan?
Betsy_E: there are no plans at present for addotional countries
ViaVon: Not even across USA?
Betsy_E: the Japanese publishing house, Nihon Vogue, is sponsoring the current tour
ViaVon: ahhh -- yes, funds are important for traveling exhibits, aren't they?
ViaVon: and DAC is a non-profit organization. :-)
Betsy_E: we would love to send parts of the DAC collection other places - the big problem is $$$$
Nova: :(
Betsy_E: DAC is a not for profit corp.
ViaVon: for those who joined late and missed some of the visual tour, I'll repeat those photo urls for you:
Nova: *
ViaVon: Go ahead Joanie :-)
Nova: Are the large paint manufacturers interesting in sponsorhip, I would think it would be perfect for them.
Nova: sponsorship
Betsy_E: you would think that they might want to sponsor a portion of our exhibitions, but ... so far they have turned us down
Nova: That is shameful on them then, thank-you Betsy
Betsy_E: several brush manufacturers have helped with exhibition costs and with printing costs of some of our publications
ViaVon: Betsy, sounds like we need some professional fund raisers! lol
Betsy_E: that would be wonderful!
Betsy_E: we have received 2 small grants this year from the KS Arts Foundation
Betsy_E: They helped with the costs of getting the rose exhibit to Phoenix & Columbus
Nova: If everyone could just see more of those beautiful examples you provided tonight it would be so good for tole painting
Betsy_E: The DAC is truely wonderful & inspiring!
Nova: *
ViaVon: We need to help spread the word but more importantly, we need to get people to understand the importance of what DAC is doing and why. I had hoped tonite would generate a bigger audience but as you can tell, it's not a fire under the feet for many painters -- that is sad too.
ViaVon: Let's open the floor for general discussion now, shall we?
Nova: Can you tell us some of the major changes you have seen to tole over the years you have painted and taught.
Betsy_E: well - there are fewer painters now that when I started painting
Betsy_E: there are mmore and better brushes & paints
Betsy_E: there are more books - fewer painting shops
Betsy_E: everyone seems to want instant gratification
Betsy_E: most want to do things quickly & not spend time learning the basics
thestuffedcat: there are too many imports for us to compete
Betsy_E: true
thestuffedcat: makes it hard for the ones that want to sell their paintings
Betsy_E: as a group, decorative painters are getting older
ViaVon: yes they are
ViaVon: traditional tolers are dying off as well, so to speak :-( :-(
Betsy_E: younger people want "quick" "now"
thestuffedcat: that is why one stroke is so popular
dawnh-id: there is no one in my area that teaches tole
Nova: One of the things that I think is bad for painting is someone takes one course, then decides to teach - I think they discourage new painters badly.
thestuffedcat: me either, I have to drive almost 2 hours for a chapter
dawnh-id: i agree.. the teacher I had who taught onestroke.. was not very good..
dawnh-id: but I got enough out of the class to figure the rest out on my own
Betsy_E: stylisticly, (is that a word?) a lot of painters are moving away from traditional "folk art" and toward "fine art"
thestuffedcat: where I live, there is either line drawing, oil or watercolor...nobody wants to teach acrylics
ViaVon: that's one of the reasons why we're developing internet-based seminars and in 2005 will begin teaching seminars as well as these basic introductory and educational seminars. People who have no teachers need help. :-)
dawnh-id: sad...
Nova: Wonderful Von
dawnh-id: wonderful.. glad to hear it Von
Betsy_E: FABULOUS!
thestuffedcat: yes, especially for the people that want to learn...........
ViaVon: we'll be bringing in teachers who will spend a month working with beginners from start to finish on a project. Everything from prepping the surface to sealing it. :-)
thestuffedcat: kewl...........
dawnh-id: Awesome!
Betsy_E: Von - that's terrific!!!
Betsy_E: Tell them all about the DAC :>)
Nova: and things are so much easier if you learn the right way rather than having to be retaught and break bad habits
ViaVon: Thank you. :-) We see the need so desperately out there and you know us -- we want to encourage beginners fully!
Nova: how to go Von and Dave
ViaVon: Betsy -- you KNOW I'll be promoting DAC whereever I can! lol
Betsy_E: WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ViaVon: I'm a strong supporter for the endeavor. :-)
ViaVon: It's one of the reason's I'm actively involved with my City's Art Advisory Committee and promoting the tole and decorative painters to display in our monthly exhibits
ViaVon: they are not just "crafters" -- they are ARTISTS!
Betsy_E: an artist is someone who creates from the heart - no matter what the level of his abilities
Nova: true, not that there is anything wrong with being a crafter but tole so much more than people think
ViaVon: that's a hard hurdle to get over with tole and decorative painters as a rule ... we don't take ourselves seriously enough. lol
ViaVon: I agree Betsy!
Betsy_E: about 17 years ago I heard a talk by Jo Sonja
Betsy_E: she opened my eyes
ViaVon: Joanie -- that is extremely true. Tole is a wonderful 4 letter word! lol
Nova: I agree, and it is amazing how many painters know very little about the history behind it
Betsy_E: she said, "Ladies, if you don't take yourselves seriously (& charge a reasonable amount for your work) no one will consider your work worthwhile."
Nova: True Betsy, it is very possible to undersell, underprice our work
ViaVon: Betsy -- I am in complete agreement with that ... and even so, I have a hard time pricing my own work because I see it's flaws and think "No one should have to pay for my learning curve to THAT XXX$$$ amount! lol
Nova: kinda the old "this ol thing" attitude
Betsy_E: I have a little exercise for you to try
ViaVon: oh dear ... homework? *sigh* lol
Nova: lol
Betsy_E: Every day (at least once each day) - look in the mirror & say, "I AM AN ARTIST - this is what an artist looks like."
ViaVon: can we fall over laughing when we say that ... or at least giggle a little? rotfl
ViaVon: hi Concetta!
Betsy_E: I gaurentee that after 3 weeks, you will believe that you are an artist & it will change the way you view what you do
concettaslates: hello
Nova: hmmm, a little painted plaque hung on my mirror may be in order
Betsy_E: Good thought, Joanie
Betsy_E: Von, n
Betsy_E: o laughing!
ViaVon: yes Betsy?
ViaVon: oh ! ok !! lol
Betsy_E: NO LAUGHING!
ViaVon: well can I at least laugh at my attempts to paint? *giggle*
Betsy_E: you ARE an artist
Betsy_E: laughter is helthful
Betsy_E: healthful
ViaVon: that's one of the things about being a beginner -- one knows it won't be perfect and can sit back and giggle at the fun of the attempt. And then fun to watch the progress too.
Nova: I just wrote it down and will do the plaque asap
Nova: I have my first piece
Nova: oh my
Nova: it was strokework
Betsy_E: it's fun to see where we started and how far we've come
ViaVon: Yes, I AM an artist -- and may not be a very good one ... YET. :-)
Nova: you are good Von, I've seen your work and designs
Betsy_E: perception is reality
ViaVon: I keep a visual painting diary -- on my website so others can see what I did when I started and watch the progress. For my family really but I share with our website guests too
thestuffedcat: I must go, have to pick up a child, it was GREAT, thankyou all...see you again...
Betsy_E: bye
ViaVon: byebye Stuffed Cat!! thank you for coming
Nova: See you later Cat
thestuffedcat: thank you for having me.bye everyone...........
Dave: Forgive me but I'm a non-painter. However, when I saw Brenda Stewart's white rose on a silver dish in "A Sentimental Collection of Roses" I started seeing with my heart rather than my eyes. I've found that art is more than painting. It starts with seeing.
Nova: Bye Cat
ViaVon: Joanie, my designs are geared for beginners ... easy strokework that is simple and fun -- hopefully
ViaVon: That's how Dave looks at my artwork too -- with his heart. Bless him! :-)
Nova: Dave ... that is beautiful
Betsy_E: I own an early piece painted by a very famous Master Decorative Painter - she cringes every time she sees it
ViaVon: We always are our own worst enemies and critics! lolol
Betsy_E: Dave - what a beautiful thought - a true epithany
Nova: and here is something my teacher/friend told me - never point out an error/flaw - if you do that is all the viewers eyes will go to
ViaVon: Well, if the world is to have any future painters, we need to capture the youth of all ages with artforms of all types.
Betsy_E: agreed
Dave: The most precious diamonds are precious because of their flaws. A perfect diamond is boring!
dawnh-id: thank you for the time.. I must go.. Von good to see you again.. Every one have a wonderful night.
ViaVon: ((((Dawn)))) thank you for coming!
Betsy_E: I'm currently working with 4-H to include more decorative painting in their programs
Dave: nite nite
dawnh-id: Thank you!
Nova: Nite Dawn
ViaVon: Betsy -- we just worked with one of our Gresham Elementary schools and got them set-up with the entire art program's supplies for the whole year. SO fun !!!
Nova: Wow !!
ViaVon: For the whole school -- our front room was filled with supplies! lol
Betsy_E: WONDERFUL!
ViaVon: As soon as the last batch of brushes comes in from Royal, we'll go pay a visit to deliver and see the kids in action with those supplies. I can't wait!
Betsy_E: what fun!!
Nova: Take pics please
ViaVon: It is. Oregon is so economically depressed that our schools have no provision for art programs of any sort.
Betsy_E: yes, please do
ViaVon: Using our wholesale contacts and a donation of $521, we got the supplies for the whole year.
Betsy_E: art programs are being cut all over the country
ViaVon: Can you believe that was all it took to fund the school's art program for the whole year?
Betsy_E: amazing!
Betsy_E: it seems like so little
ViaVon: I think so too. Been a wonderful endeavor and we'll begin again in February to raise the money for 2005-2006 budget needs
Betsy_E: SUPER!
ViaVon: I intend to request donations from all of our local paint stores and craft stores too
ViaVon: I usually don't take no for an answer ROTFL
ViaVon: ask Dave
ViaVon: *snicker*
Nova: I bet you don't
Dave: LOL!!!!!!!!
Betsy_E: Well, it's bed time here on the East Coast - so I'll sign off with thanks to all of you and a BIG apology for my computer glitches. I promise to wear a pointed hat and sit in the corner.
Nova: Von, will the photo urls be in the chat transcript
Nova: I would like time to study them
ViaVon: Yes Joanie -- they'll be imbedded as introduced during the transcript
Dave: Take care, Betsy and thank you
Nova: Betsy, I thank you so very much for giving us your time - it was wonderful.
ViaVon: ((((Betsy)))) thank you so much!
Betsy_E: good night all

***

This concludes our Decorative Arts Collection Seminar

Please, won't you too consider becoming a membership sponsor of this fantastic organization?