Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710
FAX (215) 567-7850
Contact: Communications and Development
Free Library to Host Extensive Programming for Children and Families As Part of Framing Fraktur
PHILADELPHIA March 2, 2015—The Free Library of Philadelphia is pleased to present an extensive array of fraktur-inspired programs and events for children and their families, as part of its three-month Framing Fraktur celebration of Pennsylvania German folk art and its ties to contemporary art.
Framing Fraktur runs from March 2 through June 14, 2015, and will bring to life this delightfully detailed folk art form through extensive programming and two unique exhibitions: Quill & Brush, a historic exhibition featuring original fraktur works from the Free Library’s extensive collection, and Word & Image, a contemporary exhibition featuring the work of seven international artists.
“I am excited that the Free Library is able to present its important fraktur collection in such a unique and accessible way,” said Siobhan A. Reardon, President and Director. “By connecting historic art with contemporary art—and helping people of all ages relate to it and learn about it through fun, hands-on programs—the Free Library is truly reimagining just what a library can be in the 21st century. I hope all parents bring their children to view the exhibitions and take part in as much of our great programming as possible!”
Listed below are highlights of free Framing Fraktur programming for children and families. For a complete, up-to-date listing of all upcoming events, visit freelibrary.org/framingfraktur.
Fun with Fraktur: Lettering for Kids
Learn about fraktur, practice using different types of pens, and try your hand at making fraktur-style letters.
- Tuesday, March 3, 4:00 p.m. – Wadsworth Library
- Wednesday, March 4, 4:30 p.m. – David Cohen Ogontz Library
- Saturday, April 4, 2:00 p.m. – Lillian Marrero Library
- Wednesday, April 15, 4:00 p.m. – Fumo Family Library
- Tuesday, May 12, 3:30 p.m. – Oak Lane Library
My Family Tree and Me
Fraktur documents were used to record family history. Create a keepsake family tree to take home.
- Tuesday, March 3, 6:00 p.m. – Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library
- Wednesday, March 11, 6:00 p.m. – Wadsworth Library
- Saturday, March 14, 2:00 p.m., Richmond Library
- Saturday, April 18, 2:00 p.m., Welsh Road Library
- Saturday, April 25, 11:00 a.m. – Charles Santore Library
Fraktur Traditional Embroidery
Learn about traditional fraktur designs and try embroidering with a hoop. All skill levels are welcome.
- Thursday, March 5, 4:00 p.m. – Ramonita G. de Rodriguez Library
- Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. – Wadsworth Library
- Monday, May 4, 4:00 p.m. – Haverford Library
- Wednesday, May 13, 6:00 p.m. – Katharine Drexel Library
- Monday, June 15, 6:30 p.m., Bustleton Library
Handmade Ink Art
Learn how to create ink at home with natural materials, and use handmade inks to color unique artwork.
- Saturday, March 7, 2:00 p.m. – Chestnut Hill Library
- Tuesday, March 10, 4:00 p.m. – Fishtown Community Library
- Saturday, March 14, 2:00 p.m. – Northeast Regional Library
- Monday, March 23, 4:00 p.m. – Cecil B. Moore Library
- Monday, April 13, 5:00 p.m. – Greater Olney Library
- Saturday, April 25, 2:00 p.m. – Philadelphia City Institute
- Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. – Tacony Library
- Monday, June 1, 4:30 p.m. – Eastwick Library
- Saturday, June 6, 2:00 p.m., Wynnefield Library
In addition to the many free programs for children and families taking place at neighborhood libraries throughout Philadelphia, the Free Library will present its Annual Family Event, this year with the theme of Finding Fraktur. This special event for families will take place at the Parkway Central Library on Saturday, April 25 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Especially for children ages 4 through 11 and their families, Finding Fraktur will feature Pennsylvania German craft projects, a festive scavenger hunt, a private storytime and book signing with Skippyjon Jones author Judy Schachner, and plenty of family-friendly food (and adult-friendly beverages). Tickets for Finding Fraktur are $25 per person and can be purchased online at freelibrary.org/familyevent.
Major support for Framing Fraktur has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from the Wyeth Foundation for American Art, American Airlines Cargo, Christie’s, The Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation, and the Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation.
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The 61-location Free Library of Philadelphia system advances literacy, guides learning, and inspires curiosity with millions of digital and physical materials; 25,000 yearly programs and workshops; free public computers and extensive Wi-Fi; and rich special collections, including those at Parkway Central Library and at The Rosenbach of the Free Library of Philadelphia. With more than 6 million in-person and 9 million online visits annually, the Free Library and the Rosenbach are among the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in Philadelphia and boast a worldwide impact.
02/26/2015
Department of External Affairs, Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-1189
(215) 567-7710, FAX (215) 567-7850