Plate 1: From Portfolio "Folk Art of Rural Pennsylvania" c. 1939

Curator: We're looking at "Plate 1: From Portfolio 'Folk Art of Rural Pennsylvania'", a print made around 1939 by an anonymous artist as part of the Index of American Design. Editor: My first impression is pure joy. The bold colors and simplified forms—it feels instantly optimistic. Almost like a child's drawing, but with intention. Curator: It absolutely taps into that visual language of folk art, a vocabulary rich in symbolism. The central motif, a stylized floral arrangement, often represents fertility, growth, and the abundance of nature in Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. The heart shapes subtly embedded could be about love and family, foundational aspects of the culture. Editor: I’m struck by the printmaking process itself. Notice how each color seems applied separately, creating distinct layers. This likely wasn't a mass-produced commercial item. I’d bet it reflects the WPA project's aim to employ artists while also documenting and preserving these handcrafted, regional designs. It seems rooted in specific artisanal practices. Curator: Exactly. And look closer – you'll notice slight imperfections, manual registration flaws in the printing. They hint at the human hand, which is a key characteristic of folk art. The colours chosen, too; red, yellow, and blue would have been vibrant, readily accessible pigments then, underscoring functionality as well as aesthetics. This art piece also echoes patterns found on everyday objects. Editor: Which tells us a lot. This isn't about high art, cordoned off from life. This art springs from communal creativity, perhaps adorning pottery or textiles. And to bring it back to materiality: What sort of paper did they use? The texture matters! All of that has to do with how the art speaks, right? Curator: I agree completely. This simple print provides us a remarkable link to cultural memory and regional aesthetics. It embodies the essence of Pennsylvania's folk art, preserving symbols that held deep meaning within the community. Editor: It reminds us to value the processes and the social contexts of making. After all, even the humblest piece holds narratives about labor, materials, and a community’s creative spirit.