UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new exhibition at Penn State University Libraries, titled “Paper Paradise: Three Centuries of Pennsylvania German 'Fraktur' and 'Scherenschnitte,'” features distinctive paper arts from the cultures known as Pennsylvania German or Pennsylvania Dutch.
On display Thursday, May 28 through Oct. 30 in the Eberly Family Special Collections Library, 104 Paterno Library on the University Park campus, the exhibition highlights holdings within Special Collections of highly decorated calligraphic Fraktur and intricate Scherenschnitte. The latter — translated literally as “scissor-cuts” — often depicted nature motifs in intricate, symmetrical designs, with examples on display ranging from the 18th century to the present day, including art by contemporary practitioners of both Fraktur and "Scherenschnitte.
Highlights of the exhibition include a 1748 copy of "The Martyr’s Mirror," the largest book printed in colonial America, a decorated songbook with music and lyrics handmade in the Ephrata community in 1789 and examples of the work of the famous Fraktur artist Johann Adam Eyer from around 1790. The exhibition also includes work by contemporary Fraktur and Scherenschnitte artists Emily Decker, Patrick Donmoyer, Harriet Mether Rosenberg and Lynn Sommer.
An opening reception with refreshments will take place on Thursday, May 28, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, 140 Curtin Road on the University Park campus. The event is free, open to the public, and will include a paper-cutting demonstration and talks by some of the artists.
Hands-On Fraktur Art Workshop with Lynn Sommer
- July 9, 1-3 p.m. in Mann Assembly Room, 103 Paterno Library, 140 Curtin Road, University Park. Registration is required for this event.
Shape Note singing and discussion with Lynn Sommer and State College Sacred Harp
- Sept. 21, 7 p.m. at University Mennonite Church, 1606 Norma St, in State College, Pennsylvania.
Lecture: "Analog arts in a digital world: The significance of Pennsylvania Dutch material culture" by Penn State alum Josh Brown
- Oct. 1, 3 p.m. in Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library, 140 Curtin Road, University Park.
Public Exhibition Tour: Join curators Julia Spicher Kasdorf and Christopher Reed as they guide attendees through a true Paper Paradise.
- Oct. 15, 2 p.m. in 104 Paterno Library, 140 Curtin Road, University Park.
“Paper Paradise: Three Centuries of Pennsylvania German 'Fraktur' and 'Scherenschnitte,'” was curated by Penn State faculty Julia Spicher Kasdorf and Christopher Reed, and organized by Rachael Dreyer, head of curation and engagement for Special Collections, with the support of the Max Kade German-American Research Institute at Penn State and of the Department of English and the dean's office of the College of the Liberal Arts.
Exhibitions in the Eberly Family Special Collections Library are made possible by support from the Sandra K. Stelts and Ronald L. Filippelli Exhibitions Program Endowment, the Krumrine Family Libraries Endowment and the Dorothy Foehr Huck Endowment.
Questions about this exhibition and requests for class or public tours, including inquiries regarding accessibility accommodations, should be directed to Rachael Dreyer at rad24@psu.edu or spcollections@psu.edu.
Penn State University Libraries is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Events and programs are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or any other protected class.