American Folk Art

In the 1980s collectors bought as if they were creating their own private museums. In the 1990s they are buying from public museums.Large and small museums faced with deficits and storage costs are deaccessioning and selling works not on exhibition. That is why nearly two-thirds of the lots of American furniture and decorations sold at Sotheby's on Oct. 26 were consigned by public institutions.The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford sold duplicates from the Wallace Nutting Collection which had been purchased in 1925.

If you've ever read an art review and finished it griping that the critic must have gone through the exhibit with his eyes closed, below is a review about which you'd be absolutely right. In fact, this critic would be the first to agree with you."Access to Art: Bringing Folk Art Closer" is an exhibit designed to present folk art to those who are visually impaired or who have other physical handicaps that hinder their ability to enjoy the usual museum installation. Organized by the Museum of American Folk Art in New York City, this exhibit is currently at the Baltimore Museum of Art as part of a 13-city national tour.

Barbara Pietila paints with fabric and thread. Instead of a brush, she wields a needle. Instead of using canvas, she depicts scenes on cotton.The Baltimore artist has been making story quilts for more than two decades. In cloth, she has found a medium through which she illustrates family stories, lessons from history and scenes from everyday life.She is having a busy summer: For the sixth year, Pietila will be among the 100 arts and crafts people displaying and selling their creations today and Sunday at Baltimore's Artscape.

You don't have to know the titles of John T. Scott's sculptures (including "Doorway for the Blues" and "Blues for Sister Sara") to know they reflect music, specifically jazz.You can tell from their bright, modulating colors; their rhythmic striping; the way their metal bands glide up or swoop down, changing direction improvisationally. And you can tell from the way they make you feel -- good, like jazz does.The six poles that jut into the air from the arched frame of "Doorway" might be dancers' walking sticks, or trombones.

When Sally Henderson finishes the last alligator and lion, her Noah's Ark rug will do more than bring joy to her grandchildren.The hooked rug, designed by her husband, Richard, places Mrs. Henderson in the tradition of the pioneer women who created this American folk art.Mrs. Henderson sat with her rug on a lap frame Monday at the Severna Park library, where the Ann Arrundell Chapter of the National Guild of Pearl K. McGown Rug Hookcrafters held an exhibit and demonstration."I've done a lot of needlepoint and sewing, but this is so satisfying," said Mrs. Henderson, a senior citizen from Gibson Island.

A CELEBRATION OF an American folk art will be the focus of a "Quilt Show Extravaganza" from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Marley Middle School, 7730 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd. Admission is $3.The event, sponsored by the Friendship Quilt Guild and the Eternal Quilt Guild, will feature demonstrations, exhibits and the social experience that defines the craft.Lynn Kampe, co-chairwoman of the event and a member of Friendship Quilters, said quilts completed by the club members will be on display.

Hammerstein'sWhere: 326 N. Charles St.Hours: Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Credit cards accepted: NoFeatures: Gourmet deliNon-smoking section? NoCall: (410) 837-0295Prices: Sandwiches, $2.25-$5.95***This place ought to be packed at lunchtime. The food is good and more interesting than you'll find at a lot of sandwich places, and it's moderately priced. But I'm not complaining. I like not having to wait in line at this pretty little gourmet deli- and I like having my choice of the several cafe tables.

`History Meets the Arts' It seems the logical place for such an event. Gettysburg is the site of this weekend's "History Meets the Arts" festival, an event that features displays of original history-themed paintings, sculptures and printed works by more than 70 artists, craftsmen and authors. Visitors can meet artists at 15 Gettysburg galleries, including Lord Nelson's Gallery, Gettysburg Gift Center and American Historical Art. Artists will display and sell their works, discuss their methods and inspiration, and sign their works.

THE BEST EATING and baking apples -- Red and Golden Delicious, Empire and Stayman -- will arrive early tomorrow morning from an orchard in northern Maryland.It's time for the Severna Park Kiwanis Club's annual Apple and Cider Sale.The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday and again Oct. 24 and 25 at the Woods Community Center (formerly the Severna Park YMCA).Along with the freshest apples, there will be equally fresh cider (pressed the day before the sale) in gallon and half-gallon jugs as well as my favorite, apple butter.

Old hooked rugs are now treasured as examples of American folk art. They usually are hung on a wall, not used on the floor.If your old hooked rug has seen wear and dirt, clean it carefully. Place the rug on a table. Use cold water with soap suds or a very mild rug shampoo. Test a small area to be sure the moisture won't cause the dye to run. Spread the foam over the top of the dirty rug, rub a little with a soft brush or cloth. Blot with a towel and let dry.Don't get the rug too wet; the moisture can rot the burlap backing.