Meet Frances Halley
Embrace the joy of folk art with Frances Halley this fall as part of Adventures in Lifelong Learning, a membership program for individuals 50 and better.
Mondays: Oct. 18-Nov. 15
Course: Folk Art
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Register now.
Frances Halley is a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and is a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, the Folk Art Society of America and the Guild of American Papercutters. She has a particular interest in American Folk Art, both historically and as an artistic genre.
What is your artistic/professional background?
I have been artistic for as long as I can remember. I am a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and a member of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, the Folk Art Society of America and the Guild of American Papercutters. In 2017 I received an Honorable Mention Award from the Heinz History Center in the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators exhibit, Art of Facts; Uncovering Pittsburgh.
What do you enjoy most about the Folk Art genre?
I love that folk art grew out of community-based culture and heritage, as it did with the Eastern Pennsylvania settlers of the 18th and 19th centuries. Much of what is considered folk art today were items that had a utilitarian purpose in the life of the community.
When the arduous work of carving out a settlement from a wilderness was completed, the Pennsylvania German settlers allowed themselves the luxury of artistic embellishments in the objects they crafted from clay, stone, wood, cloth, metal or painted on paper.
What inspires you?
Early American history, ethnic folk art patterns and motifs, illuminated manuscripts and bold color influence my work. I also am inspired by the art and writing of the late artist and folk art historian, Frances Lichten.
What can participants expect from your class?
I hope they will find it to be an inspiring mix of history, art and art influenced by history.
What advice do you have for those who have no art background or experience?
Don’t let that stop you from participating in this class. There are no expectations on your level of skill. Many folk artists were untrained, and their work has a beautiful simplicity to it. Lack of experience can be an advantage that allows you to embrace the joy of folk art.
“The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light of letters, is simplicity.”
-Walt WhitmanLearn more about Adventures in Lifelong Learning, and sign up for a fall pilot course today.