Painted window screens originated in Baltimore,
Maryland in 1913.
Czechoslovakian immigrant, William Octavec, painted the
window screens of his neighborhood produce store with fruits and vegetables
rather than putting the real thing on display out in the hot sun.
Eventually, neighbors enjoyed his artwork so much that they requested his
talents for their home window screens. Today, some examples of this dying art form
can still be admired on the streets of East Baltimore. Not only are they
beautiful, they provide privacy while windows and blinds are open. In the
daylight, outsiders cannot see inside through the screens while at the same time
one can see through the screen from the within the house with no obstructed
view. I am fortunate to have been taught by Master
Screenpainter, Tom Lipka, who began carrying on this tradition in 1945. I
hope to keep this Authentic Baltimore Art form alive! Please visit his website
if you would like to learn more about this unique art form.
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1001 W. 36th Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 662-4438
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Screenpainting
