Folk Art

Antique folk art is an art form that began not as art for art's sake, but as useful items that were a means to an end in the time period they were created. For example, old store signs, quilts, carousel horses, weather vanes and other such objects that are considered whimsical antiques in these modern days. Distinguished from traditional folk art by the usefulness of the items, antique folk art is made up of mostly handmade objects created by folks that were self taught or learned the skill as part of their family or home heritage.

The Artists

The artists who created antique folk art items were mostly those folks who had a need for something, thought it out and then made an item that would fit the bill. Items such as a sign pointing to the strawberry patch, a door stop to keep the door from swinging closed, painted game boards to play with and so forth. Skills such as woodworking, ironworking, quilting and the like were taught as family members worked side by side to make things work as best they could for their families and neighbors.

The Collectors

Antique folk art is appreciated in a very individualized fashion. Some enthusiasts enjoy signage, from old store signs to signs advertising milk for sale, while others favor unique carousel horses, or colorful hooked rugs. Such items are collected today mostly for their artistic merit or because the collector enjoys thinking about the slow lane lifestyles of yesteryear or appreciating the craftsmanship of items made by hand when pride was taken in the creating and using of them, a hats off to the ingenuity of people back before machines cranked out so many things for the home and farm. Sometimes people buy antique folk art because they remember Grandma having one like it or because they enjoy the bright colors. Like with most art, appreciation of antique folk art is a very individual thing.

The Value

Almost all antique folk art is 'one of a kind', having been crafted by an individual to serve a purpose at the time. The value of such pieces depends upon several factors:

•Age-how old the piece is, authentically, and what period of time it comes from.
•Condition- if the piece is intact with working pieces or still maintains bright colors. The brighter the colors, the more attractive the item—these are usually very popular.
•Desirability- depends upon how many people are seeking such an item. When in high demand, clearly the value of the item is going to be higher. That's the way of things.

Where To Find

Antique folk art can be found in a myriad of places, sometimes it is authentic while other times it is not. In order to find and learn about authentic antique folk art, there are a few specific places to concentrate your efforts on

•Antique shows- this is where your bona fide antique dealers and collectors will be found. The people at antique shows typically know what they are talking about and you can learn tons of information just visiting their booths and areas, whether you purchase items or not. Everyone will often talk with you about antique folk art items, offering tips and answering questions.
•One owner shops- antique shops abound all over the place, stop in and take a look around. It is a good idea to have some basic antique folk art information before you visit such shops unless you know them to already carry authentic objects. Again, most will gladly talk shop whether you purchase or not.
•Antique malls or centers and group shops- like antique shows, these places typically have a wide variety of items and people willing to talk about them with you.

Perhaps the number one beauty of antique folk art is how beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. What makes one particular whirligig to tell which way the wind is blowing a treasure for one person might make a cast iron door stop or wooden toy soldiers another's siren call. Because of the uniqueness in collectors' preferences, some items are surprising favorites while others are barely noticed at all. Most all antique folk art appreciators and collectors can agree, however, that the ingenuity and craftsmanship displayed in so many items is definitely amazing and something to be treasured for years to come.