Mennonite Life will present a hands-on exploration of the Pennsylvania German art of fraktur on Friday, July 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. Under the guidance of fraktur artist Emily Smucker-Beidler, participants will learn what birds influenced the art form's earliest nature motifs, as well as the history behind its characteristic polka-dot, checkerboard and striped patterns. Each participant will create his or her own 5-by-7-inch fanciful fraktur bird.

The workshop will be held in the Mennonite Life Community Room, 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, and a fee will be charged per person. Participants may bring their own watercolors or purchase a set for a fee at the workshop. All other materials will be included, with enough to take home for continued creation.

Preregistration is required, and class capacity is limited. Register by Tuesday, July 25, at http://www.mennonitelife.org/events.

Fraktur was created by Pennsylvania Germans in the 18th century and features calligraphic text decorated with colorful birds, hearts and flowers. The tradition is rooted in the illuminated manuscripts of medieval Europe but has evolved into a distinctive part of local Pennsylvania German culture.