Page 7 - USM_MembershipBooklet

The Society of Decorative Painters
MISSION
We are a global community for painters and aspiring artists to share ideas, develop skills and participate in a fun, creative environment.
We recognize diversity and excellence in all styles of painting.
FOUNDING
Established in 1972 during the resurgence of tole painting, the Society of Decorative Painters (SDP) was founded as the National Society of Tole and Decorative Painters, Inc. by 22 painters who wanted to share their passion for decorative arts with individuals all over the world. Today, our passion for painting and artistic expression is stronger than ever through our thousands of members and hundreds of chapters worldwide.
HERITAGE
Decorative painting is a diverse art form with a rich history that involves a variety of paint mediums and techniques to decorate functional and non-functional surfaces, such as furniture, utensils, and other objects. Styles and techniques of the past are incorporated into today’s trends and materials, while developing the decorative art heritage of the future. Approached with creativity and discipline, the techniques are highly teachable and an opportunity to provide anyone who has the will to try with confidence, self-expression, and creative satisfaction.
Tole painting is the general term historically used to describe decorative painting on tin surfaces, especially in New England and by the Pennsylvania Germans. Contemporary decorative painting encompasses not only the folk art styles of Sweden, Norway, Germany, Russia, England and Mexico, but many facets of Early American decorative painting such as stenciling, faux finishing, bronzing, gold leafing, country painting, theorem and graining.