By Peggy Kreimer Hodgson
Dixie Porcelain Painters
Vase and pink Poppies tile by Laurita Andwan (Photo provided)
Hand-painted porcelain vases, chocolate boxes, teapots and torte plates will be on exhibit Sept. 2 through Sept. 28 at the Newport branch of the Campbell County Public Library located at 901 E. Sixth St. in Newport.
The exhibit also will highlight the holidays, from Christmas ornaments and candy boxes to Easter eggs and tiny Valentine heart boxes.
Portrait by Aino Williams (Photo provided)
The show, by members of the Kentucky Chapter of the World Organization of China Painters, celebrates the vintage art that was all the rage for proper young ladies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America. Changing lifestyles after World Wars I and II saw the ranks of painters dwindle.
Today, The World Organization of China Painters (WOCP) fosters porcelain painting clubs around the world. The Newport Library exhibit is hosted by the Dixie Porcelain Painters of Northern Kentucky, one of three WOCP clubs in the state. The exhibit includes work from across the state.
“The exhibit is more than a show of club members’ art,” said Dixie club and Kentucky state president Juanita Barrett of Alexandria. “It’s an invitation to join us in a meeting and try your hand at porcelain painting.”
The club welcomes anyone interested in porcelain painting, from beginners to seasoned painters. Dixie club members are from Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati and Indiana. “The first thing most of us said when we started was ‘I could never do that,’” said Barrett, “You learn by taking it step by step.”
Some members’ pieces have been exhibited at the World Organization of China Painters national museum in Oklahoma City. Some sell their work and do commissions. Others paint for fun and family.
“We’re a small group who share a passion for this old and elegant art,” said Barrett.
The club meets at 10 a.m. at various locations, the first week of the month, March through November. Those interested in attending a meeting or learning more about porcelain painting can contact Juanita Barrett at 859-635-9496 or club secretary Peggy Kreimer Hodgson of Cincinnati, at bypeg@earthlink.net
