Southfield Historical Society
26082 Berg Road • Southfield, MI 48033
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2014
Every person a Picasso; Talk looks back at Paint by Number craze
Paint by Numbers, a craft fad that became popular in the 1950s, is the subject of the May 22nd program of the Southfield Historical Society. The Paint by Numbers kits were developed by Max Klein of the Palmer Paint Company of Detroit and commercial artist Dan Robbins.
Following World War II Americans found themselves with more leisure time due to the move to a 40-hour work week and the rise in modern conveniences. In turn, people had more time to pursue travel, hobbies, sports and crafts. The “how to” craze took hold. Among the most popular was Paint by Number. Over 12 million kits were sold.
Today, the kits and paintings are highly collectable and have made their way into the Smithsonian and the Museum of Modern Art. While there are a number of imitators, vintage kits and paintings can still be found at yard sales and on Amazon.com and eBay.
Southfield resident Skip Davis, one of the nation’s leading collectors of Paint by Number paintings, will present numerous pieces from his collection and give an overview of this “how to” craze. Davis is a long-time friend of Dan Robbins.
The Paint by Numbers program will be held on Thursday, May 22 at 7pm in the Historic Church at the Southfield Burgh (Civic Center Drive & Berg Road).
Tickets are $5, payable at the door, or admission is free with Southfield Historical Society membership of $8 (student/senior) or $10 (individual). The public is invited to attend.
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