Programs

Arthur has presented exhibits and demonstrations of early crafts around the New York tristate area for more than twenty years. These educational programs are suitable for museums, schools, libraries, events, historic houses, groups, community organizations, etc.  Each one is adaptable to different themes, age groups and the particular requirements of the venue.  Arthur, and Ellen Brody-Kirmss, can also help you plan historical events and introduce you to our network of interpretors, demonstrators, subject experts and performers. 

The pricing indicated is variable based on travel distance, scope of presentation, venue and time.  If you would like more information about Arthur’s programs, event planning and development, bookings, etc., write to [email protected] or call (347) 623-7545.

Details
Wampum (Sewant) Making Lecture | Demonstration
In this unique educational program, Arthur Kirmss gives a hands-on demonstration of the Native American and early colonial craft of shell wampum bead making.  The tools used are handmade working replicas of early colonial yypes, like the wooden bow drill.  Included is a meaningful display of original Dutch, Chinese, Native American and other relics significant to the wampum  making era (circa 1620-1700), as well as original 1600's international coinage, shell and rock specimens, and wampum.  Arthur explains the monetary values and purchasing power of the coinage and wampum in early New York.  One aim of this  program is inspirational:  it presents a positive view of the intercultural blend of native invention and achievement with the significant contribution of colonial skills and tools that created New York's first money.

Cost: Variable according to length of time, from $250-500
Length of time: Variable from 1.5 hours to all day
Suitable for all age groups.

Wood Hewing 
In his demonstrations of colonial style wood hewing, master woodsmith Arthur Kirmss uses original tools from the 17th and 18th centuries to make colonial-style treenware from ordinary logs, creating handcrafted plates, bowls and utensils like ones found in the oldest houses of America. Also included is a display  of original woodenware, antique artifacts, and an extensive array of early edged  tools. 

Cost: Variable according to length of time, from $250-500 
Length of time:Variable from 1.5 hours to all day 
Suitable for all age  groups.

17th Century Dutch Tile Painting Workshop
This workshop provides an  intimate and hands-on opportunity for participants to learn about the folk art  and craft of the ceramic tile painting that flourished in the Netherlands during the 17th century.  Combining elements from art, craft, history, culture, and social studies,  this workshop not only examines the genre through artifacts and images, but can culminate in the design and creation of one's own “Dutch” tile.  This program can also be  given as a demonstration, without participant tile painting as depicted in the image on the right showing Arthur painting tiles by candlelight in A Dutch Tableau, a 5  Dutch Days (2008) event at the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House (Ridgewood,   NY).

Cost: $200-300 (plus $5.00 per person materials' fee) 
Length of time:1.5 – 2.5 hours 
Suitable for all age  groups.