Chalkware

Chalkware was figurines made of sculpted gypsum painted with watercolors;^[1] most typically those made in one of two periods, the first beginning in the late 18th century and ending by the beginning of the 20th century, the second being during the Great Depression. Those made during the first period were more typically serious art; those during the second period were more typically somewhat jocular.

Today, Chalkware is more commonly created with a plaster substance to create long lasting collectibles. Vaillancourt Folk Art is known for producing the first contemporary chalkware figurines since the original gypsum versions. ^[2][3] Contemporary chalkware was made popular by designer Judi Vaillancourt and is one of the last remaining crafters still designing by hand.^[4]

Carnival chalk

“Carnival chalk” refers to chalkware figures given out as carnival game prizes during the first half of the 20th century. Later, they were mostly replaced by the more popular (and usually more politically correct) stuffed animals.

References

1. ^ http://valfa.com/about/chalkware/
2. ^ Staff Writer. (1988, August). Folk artists. Early American Life, Cover, 17, 40, 46, 49-50.
3. ^ Dees, B. (1997). Santa’s price guide to contemporary Christmas collectibles. Iola, WI: Krause Publications.
4. ^ Lewis, Hal. "Top Folk Art Designers." Isnare.com (2008): n. pag. Web. 7 Apr 2010. <http://www.isnare.com/?aid=218464&ca=Arts+and+Crafts>.

See also

• Kewpie doll
• Vaillancourt Folk Art

External links