The Artisans Tent at Zoar

Jennifer Frantz

Jennifer Frantz is an artist who believes art should be seen as well as used - visually apparent and appealing on a daily basis. Art historically documents our past, particularly during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Ms. Frantz’s love of art – particularly folk art that is functional by design, lead to the design and creation of Americana Floorcloths. Floorcloths or “oyl” cloths were first created in Europe and then brought over to Colonial America in the mid 1700’s. Made from heavy canvas, the floorcloth was oiled, painted and varnished. These were the carpets of the average man. Linoleum was not yet developed and the floorcloths kept drafts at bay in winter and floors cooler in the summer months. A Perrysburg, Ohio resident of 20 years, Ms. Frantz works out of her home studio. Following traditional methods, heavyweight 18 oz. cotton canvas is painted with corners mitered and edges folded and creased then cemented into place. You see, this canvas is too heavy to be sewn. The design is inspired from research and imagination then painted from the mind’s eye in traditional colors of that period. Ms. Frantz refers to the National Trust of Historic Preservation for period color authenticity. Finally, six coats of poly-acrylic finish are applied with the addition of antiquing stain producing an antiqued, water-proof, and stain-resistant finish. As a result, these rugs are virtually indestructible – they feel like vinyl instead of
painted canvas – durable, yet flexible. The end result is a beautiful, one of a kind piece, a family heirloom that can be handed down from generation to generation.  Frantz sold her first piece of art at the age of eleven. Today, her traditional works are available in fine art galleries, historic venues and may be seen at the following historic museums:
❖ Van Cortlandt House Museum, Bronx, New York
❖ President U.S. Grant Boyhood Home, Georgetown, Ohio
❖ Sully Historic Plantation, Sully, Virginia
❖ The Rankin House, Ripley, Ohio
❖ George Rogers Clark Home at Historic Locust Grove, Louisville,
Kentucky
❖ The Johnson Hall Masonic Home, Johnstown, New York
❖ William Paca House Museum, Annapolis, Maryland
❖ William Randolph House, Somerset, Ohio
Many, many others