Aberdeen Area China Painters

Painted porcelain works by the Aberdeen Area China Painters were on display at the Dacotah Prairie Museum through July 14, 2008.

The Aberdeen Area China Painters organized as a group more than 12 years ago, an offshoot of several ladies who have painted together for more than 20 years. The organized meeting times became a way for the members to assemble, work together, exchange ideas about their craft. Painting, firing, and glazing were all practiced and experimented with, each member of the group improving their skills. The group also exhibits their works at a number of local and regional shows and competitions as well as providing a yearly display for the Dacotah Prairie Museum.

Participating artists in this year’s show included: Signe Bruers, Hazel Engle, Avis Hansen, Corrine Hunstad, Sally Kushman, Alene Munger, and Lila M. Hansen.

Each piece of hand painted porcelain in the exhibit followed a technique developed more than 2,000 years ago. Paints used were mineral and oxide powders that are ground with an oil medium to a paste consistency. The design is then painted on the slick-glazed surface of the white china. It will be painted several times to arrive at the depth of detail it portrays and each time is fired in a kiln at about 1,500 degrees. When cooled, the design is under the glazed surface of the porcelain.

The exhibit this year included gracefully painted pitchers, jewelry boxes, plates, ornaments and a cookie jar featuring exquisite colors and astonishing detail.

To view other past exhibits, click here.