Beaming lighthouses, seascapes with crashing waves, cottages under puffy clouds. It was common in the 1950s for windows in East Baltimore rowhomes to be adorned with painted screens. Now it’s a rare treat.
Painted screens grew popular for a practical reason: They block the interior of your home from prying eyes.
Folklorist Elaine Eff tells about the origin of this artform, and Highlandtown Gallery owner Felicia Zannino-Baker talks about preserving and promoting painted screens today.
Find out about tours at Highlandtown Gallery, and other screen-related events. Learn about the Painted Screen Society here.
