Bio
German native Christa Smith came to the United States in the mid 1960s. As a young girl, Christa learned to be creative - more out of necessity than passion. After coming to the States, she practiced several different types of arts and crafts. About 10 years ago, she found her niche in Bavarian folk art.
Christa remembers visiting the Bayerische National Museum in Munich and seeing this beautiful folk art as a child and young adult. The painted boxes and furnishings left a lasting impression on her. It was an interesting journey to research the beginnings of this art form which goes back to the 16th century. This craft was practiced by unskilled painters who got their inspiration from their every day life style and surroundings, like the flowers in the gardens.
She has given demonstrations at the Artisan Center in Berea, Kentucky which also stocks her work regularly. She also attends several invitational shows throughout the year.
Christa, her husband and her painting dog "Lucy" live in a log cabin that was originally built in 1862 by a German immigrant.