The Fanciful Fraktur Bird Workshop offers a colorful exploration of one of the most iconic—and most imaginative—motifs in Pennsylvania German Fraktur art: the fanciful bird. These bright, patterned birds appear throughout historic Fraktur documents created in southeastern Pennsylvania during the 1700s and early 1800s. But where did Fraktur artists find their inspiration? And how did they transform everyday birds into the stylized, whimsical forms we now associate with this beloved folk tradition?

In this three-hour workshop, artist and educator Emily Smucker-Beidler guides participants through the historical background, artistic influences, and creative techniques behind Fraktur bird imagery. Students begin by examining which bird species were common in southeastern Pennsylvania during the 18th and 19th centuries—goldfinches, bluebirds, orioles, doves, thrushes, and more—and learn how these familiar species informed the decorative shapes and features of early Fraktur bird designs.

Participants will then explore how Fraktur artists adapted and exaggerated natural forms, using imaginative combinations of feathers, crests, tails, and wings. Emily explains the origins of the polka-dot, checkerboard, striped, and banded patterns that commonly appear in historic Fraktur artwork. These patterns, though whimsical, were deeply rooted in artistic traditions linked to manuscript illumination, European folk designs, and the expressive creativity of Pennsylvania German schoolmasters and itinerant artists.

Once the historical inspiration and visual vocabulary are explored, the workshop shifts to hands-on creativity. Emily demonstrates simple, approachable “tricks” for drawing fanciful Fraktur birds, breaking down the shapes into manageable steps suitable for artists of all ability levels. Participants also have the opportunity to use light boards to trace or adapt patterns from historic Fraktur sources, learning how to honor tradition while developing their own artistic interpretation.

By the end of the session, every participant will complete a small 5×7 Fraktur bird using traditional patterns and contemporary creativity. All materials are provided—including enough supplies to take home—allowing students to continue exploring Fraktur after the workshop. This welcoming, beginner-friendly class embraces creativity, curiosity, and the joy of Pennsylvania German folk art.

The workshop will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum. Please note that the classroom is accessible by one flight of stairs. All ability levels are welcome. All sales are final, with no refunds. Proceeds support the museum’s educational mission.

About Fraktur

Fraktur is a distinctive form of folk art created by Pennsylvania Germans from the eighteenth through the mid-nineteenth centuries. Known for its colorful birds, hearts, flowers, and decorative lettering, Fraktur originated in the illuminated manuscript traditions of medieval Europe before evolving into a unique American artform. These charming and symbolic designs adorned birth certificates, bookplates, hymnals, family records, love letters, and religious texts. Today, Fraktur continues to inspire folk artists, collectors, and creative learners who find joy in drawing and painting these imaginative designs.

About the Instructor: Emily Smucker-Beidler

Emily Smucker-Beidler has been creating Fraktur since sixth grade, when she first studied the art under Roma Ruth, a respected Fraktur artist from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Emily later earned a degree in Art Education and a Master’s degree in Art Education, devoting 33 years to a career in teaching while simultaneously creating custom Fraktur pieces for hundreds of clients.

Now retired from full-time teaching, Emily brings her expertise, passion, and enthusiasm to workshops like this one. She is dedicated to sharing the tradition of Fraktur with artists of all ages and skill levels, making each class a joyful blend of cultural history and hands-on creativity.