Bride's Boxes

Popular in Germany for more than a century but never on this side of the Atlantic, colorful painted boxes were given to brides on their wedding day. A group of talented American folk artists today recreate these beautiful boxes for today's brides. In this colorful article I also explore the legend surrounding bride's boxes.

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The Valente House

Southern New Jersey is rich in farmland and history, and this early home is a fine example of the area's pristine historic dwellings. Doug and Karen Valente have furnished it with a very pleasing combination of period furniture as well as Karen's wonderful folk paintings.

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Folk Art Animal Portraits

Early American folk artists painted animals with a distinctive respect and charm, quite different from the  often brutal animal worlds European artists depicted. This article explores the origins of animal painting in America and the leading artists of those early days. Then we move ahead to the present for discussions with some highly talented artists who share their artistic ancestors' love of animals.

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New Year's Superstitions

American colonists brought with them dozens of age-old European superstitions regarding New Year's Day. Commonplace events such as the home's first visitor of the year, whether the fire in the hearth had gone out, and even the direction of the wind could bring good or bad tidings for the coming year. I did extensive research on this fun article and learned a lot about superstitions in the process.

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