Exhibit: "Delaware Collects: Stenciled, Painted and Framed - An American Theorem Collection"

View a wonderful collection of theorem paintings on display in the National Historic Register, Wilson-Warner House.

The Historic Odessa Foundation is pleased to host a wonderful private collection of theorem paintings.  The collection represents 30 years of acquiring these prized folk art pieces.

Typically painted by school girls in the early 19th century, the most outstanding characteristic of the technique includes the use of layered stencils that create hard edge images.  Compositions could include an array of stencils that would depict flowers, baskets, leaves, urns, and many other subjects.

Usually the girls would simply use their teacher’s stencils, but with mastery, they could create their own.  The students often painted on various fabrics or paper.  Subtle colors and three dimensional effects could be achieved by the pressure of the brush or the amount of paint that the student applied.

Plan to visit the Historic Odessa Foundation to discover this colorful art form.  The theorem paintings can be viewed on a regular guided tour of the historic houses.  No reservations or advanced tickets are required.

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