On February 8th at 10 AM, join theorem artist Peggy Allen for an enlightening exploration of Theorem Painting, a remarkable Early American craft that gained prominence from the Colonial era to the mid-1800s. This art form involves using multiple hand-cut stencils with oil paints to mimic the look of hand-painted artwork and was initially taught by traveling artists to finishing schools for young women. Learn how, from these modest beginnings, Theorem Painting evolved over the years into a highly sought-after collector's item and a rare treasure in historic art.
Your presenter, Peggy Allen, will be adorned in authentic 18th Century attire as she explores the fascinating history, composition, and creative process behind this intricate art form. Discover the importance of Theorems during America's bicentennial and their relevance in contemporary culture. Attendees will also have the special chance to experience Theorem painting live through an engaging demonstration. Additionally, a private collection featuring unique Theorem paintings from various eras, created by local, regional, and nationally acclaimed artists, will be on display.
This program will be held in person, inside the BHC Museum Auditorium. Following the lecture, Peggy will host a "mini workshop" where she will walk 16 guests through the process of painting their very own 3x5" theorem. The cost of this program is $5/BHC Members and $10/Non-Members (no additional charge for the mini-workshop). The program fee includes admission to the BHC Museum. Coffee and light refreshments will be made available for participants at 9:30 AM.
Off-street parking is available in the BHC's parking lot, located at 160 Spring Street, Reading, PA 19601.
***Please note: If we receive inclement weather on the day of the program, a snow makeup date is reserved for February 15th, at 10AM***
About the Speaker
Peggy Allen, a proud native of Berks County and the owner of Heritage Art & Craft Studio, a Mobile Art Studio, has dedicated over 30 years to teaching art and crafts. Before launching her own business in the 1990s, she worked in retail and marketing. While she offers a wide range of classes, her true passion lies in Traditional American crafts. Peggy teaches Historic Theorem Painting at the Berks History Center and, alongside her husband Greg, conducts various art, craft, and nature educational programs across multiple venues in the county, including Berks Heritage Center, Berks Encore, Spring Township Parks and Recreation Adult Education, Berks Nature Center, and initiatives for the County of Berks. Additionally, she provides craft instruction to adults with intellectual disabilities through ProBerco of Reading and Unending Promise. Beyond these contributions, Peggy and Greg also teach at several regional historic sites, such as Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Historic Schaefferstown, Historic Beidler House, and Ephrata Cloister. Peggy is an active member of the Berks History Center, Landis Valley Farm and Museum, and HSEAD (Historical Society of Early American Decoration).