For the Love of Folk Art

Hi everyone! I have a great affection for folk art of all kinds. Recently I learned about a stunning piece that just recently came to light.

The Poestenkill Lion

My love for folk art has developed over the years. Many of you may remember that one of the many hats I’ve worn includes “art teacher.” When my kids were toddlers, I taught one day a week at a home school group. Once they started school, I went into their classrooms and did a weekly art project.

8th grade slave face jugs

A couple of years ago I taught art for one full day each week at my daughter’s middle school. Yes, I had her in one of my classes, and yes, it was trying at times.

But she recently gave me the hugest compliment, telling me she wished her current art teacher was more like me! She expressed that she and her classmates actually liked the projects I taught them. Big smile.

My sweet daughter’s slave face jug

Folk art projects were always among my favorites to teach. We made frakturs, slave face jugs (above), stencils, and many other folk art-y kinds of projects. Often, when I sit down to paint or craft, I come up with projects in this style.

Now to the real topic of this post: “The Poestenkill Lion.” Several years ago, a couple saved this stunning milk-painted lion from destruction by fire.

The four slats on which the lion is painted had been disassembled in preparation for burning.

This local couple, thankfully, recognized the value in this extraordinary piece of folk art, and in 2011, they donated it to the Rensselaer County Historical Society (RCHS).

Some of you may remember that my sweet husband and I recently took a tour of seven-homes on 2nd Street in Troy, sponsored by the RCHS. We began our tour at their headquarters, also on 2nd Street.

What I love so much about the lion is his strong local connection. He was locally produced and now, after three years of refurbishment, he is on display in his new (local) home, the RCHS.