Fanny Palmer: Etching the American Dream
Narrowsburg, New York | Film Short
Documentary, Animation
During her time, Fanny Palmer’s artwork adorned more homes, schools, and businesses than that of any other artist, living or dead. Through her lithographs, we witness the evolution of America's landscape and culture, and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to pursue her passion.
Fanny Palmer: Etching the American Dream
Narrowsburg, New York | Film Short
Documentary, Animation
1 Campaigns | New York, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $21,650 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
115 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
During her time, Fanny Palmer’s artwork adorned more homes, schools, and businesses than that of any other artist, living or dead. Through her lithographs, we witness the evolution of America's landscape and culture, and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to pursue her passion.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
During her time, Fanny Palmer’s artwork adorned more homes, schools, and businesses than that of any other artist, living or dead. Through her lithographs, we witness the evolution of America's landscape and culture, and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to pursue her passion.
Set against the backdrop of a bustling 19th-century New York City, Fanny Palmer's story is one of grit and determination. As a lithographer for the celebrated firm of Currier & Ives, Fanny's work revolutionized the field of printmaking, becoming a vital medium for visual storytelling during a period of profound change. We follow her journey as a central figure in the transformation of Currier & Ives into an enduring American institution. At the same time Palmer’s personal challenges gave greater depth and resilience to her remarkable life.
By supporting "Etching the American Dream," you will jumpstart the project's production phase, enabling us to shoot the bulk of our principal photography from February to May 2024. Your contributions will directly fuel the production, covering expenses for expert interviews, location shoots, equipment, and supporting our skilled (and budget-conscious) crew. Our shooting locations will include New York, Brooklyn, and the Hudson Valley. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to our animation team, initiating the process of working with high-resolution scans of Palmer's lithography to vividly animate her work and narrative.
Why Me?
My unique blend of expertise, personal resonance, and parallel experiences position me as the quintessential storyteller to bring Fanny Palmer's compelling narrative to the screen. With a background in writing and producing short form nonfiction for television (SundanceTV, Sesame Street), I have honed my craft in presenting personal stories effectively. My independent projects, exemplified by the captivating short "Lucky Lake," illustrate my adeptness at unveiling hidden historical narratives. What sets me apart is not just my professional experience, but a personal connection to the subject matter. A lifelong passion for 19th-century New York, coupled with a genuine admiration for Palmer's lithographic art, positions me to have the drive and determination to see this project to fruition.
I've been researching and developing this project for 24 months, and now is the time to make it happen. Your support today will fuel the production phase of the film. Then, this summer, we will go into the edit suite to begin layering animation into the storyline. By early fall, we will have our first rough draft, which will be timed nicely for our planned solo exhibition of Fanny Palmer's original lithography in October 2024 at one of the coolest galleries in Narrowsburg, NY. We aim to share a fine cut of "Etching the American Dream" with our supporters at that time.
Who is Fanny Palmer?
Fanny Palmer (1812-1876) is “the O.G.” commercial artist and her untold story has the power to transcend time and connect people across generations. Her pioneering role as one of the most successful commercial artists of her time, working in a predominantly male-dominated field, serves as an inspirational example of breaking through gender barriers. Palmer was a powerful storyteller who defied expectations to leave an indelible mark on American visual history. And her meticulous depictions of American landscapes and scenes of daily life offer a vivid window into a crucial era in our nation’s history.
I recently interviewed Nancy Siegel, Ph.D about Palmer's important role in art history and American culture. "Fanny Palmer is one of our most successful commercial artists in America," she says. Palmer's identity has been hidden from us, but now is the time to share her story with the world. "Art historians will tell you that some of the most interesting material is found in the footnotes." Siegel says. "Now is the time to bring Fanny Palmer out of the footnote." We couldn't agree more!
Fanny's Artwork and Legacy
One of the most compelling aspects of "Etching the American Dream" will be the inclusion of Palmer's own lithographs, which will serve as a cornerstone of the film's visual storytelling. Through digital cut-out animation, her works will spring to life, offering a dynamic portrayal of the biographical highlights of her life. This animated approach will not only pay homage to Palmer's craftsmanship, but also infuse the film with a sense of vitality and movement.
Many audience members—particularly those growing up in the mid-20th century—may find themselves pleasantly surprised to realize that they've been admirers of Palmer's work without ever knowing her name. Fanny Palmer's captivating lithographs, renowned in 19th-century America, experienced a resurgence in the 20th century, reaching an even wider audience. Her timeless images became fixtures on everyday items, adorning Travelers Insurance calendars and adding a nostalgic touch to Hallmark Christmas ornaments and vintage-inspired cookie tins, ensuring her anonymous legacy endured well into the modern era.
Look & Feel
“Etching the American Dream” will be a visual feast, artfully weaving together elements to create a unique and engaging viewing experience. Stepping away from the conventional trappings of historical documentaries, this film will eschew period music, static images and didactic interviews, opting instead for a more tactile and personal approach, including original animation. Some of the films that are helping inform our vibrant, handmade aesthetic include "Coded," "306 Hollywood," "Almost There."
Behind the Scenes
The director will peel back the layers of the documentary storytelling process, incorporating poignant "behind-the-scenes" moments to illuminate the challenges and rewards inherent in crafting the narrative of a forgotten pioneer. Through glimpses into the production process, viewers will witness the intersection of two narratives—one from the past and one unfolding in the present—creating a nuanced perspective on the shared struggles of two storytellers separated by time. Fanny's medium of lithography, like the documentary genre itself, has often been relegated to the periphery of artistic recognition, deemed a "lesser" form. It's a symbiotic exploration of resilience and creativity, where the filmmaker's journey mirrors the indomitable spirit of Fanny Palmer, both navigating a world that sometimes undervalues their chosen mediums.
What Else Can You Do?
Even if you do not have the ability to donate funds to the project at this phase, please consider sharing the link [https://seedandspark.com/fund/fanny-palmer] and the text below to your social media to help spread the word. Someone in your circles may have a personal resonance—with New York culture, women's stories, righting historical wrongs—and jump on board to support. I would so appreciate it! Here's some text to share:
"Meet Fanny Palmer, 19th c. America's most successful commercial artist. Don't worry if you haven't heard of her. With your help, we're about to ensure Fanny reclaims her place in history and inspires a new generation. Support the Fanny Palmer documentary today!"
What If?
You may be asking yourself, what if the project does not reach the targeted fundraising goal? We are deeply committed to reaching our goal. However, if a campaign does not reach 80% or more of its goal, supporters' credit cards are not charged and the filmmakers do not receive funds. We are also applying for grants and fellowships. On a more positive note, what if we raise more than our goal? If that is happens, we utilize the additional funds to travel to locations outside the New York / tristate area to interview curators, historians, and experts, as well as to shoot additional drone footage of landscapes and locations that are part of Fanny's story.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Principal Photography
Costs $14,000
We're shooting! Interviews in early 2024 in & around New York City, as well as landscape footage in Hudson Valley & Catskills.
Animation
Costs $8,500
We're bringing Fanny Palmer's artwork to life through cutout digital animation!
Digitizing Fanny Palmer's Work
Costs $2,500
We'll be capturing original lithos by Fanny Palmer as high resolution digital files for use in the film and animation. This is a big job!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Director Tina Spangler
Director Tina Spangler is a Sullivan County, NY-based cinematic storyteller working in the documentary film genre. For the past 20 years, she has created a wide variety of original short-form video content for television, as well as several independent film projects. Spangler began her career creating dozens of original segments for Sundance Channel (2000-2005), including filmmaker profiles and thematic nonfiction works. Most recently, she produced, wrote, and directed several nonfiction short films for Sesame Street (2021-2023). She has also directed and produced independent documentaries. The founder and longtime director of the Big Eddy Film Festival (2012-2022), Spangler has also spent a significant part of her career curating independent films for festivals, affording her the opportunity to view and evaluate thousands of indie films of all genres.
Cinematographer Kate Phelan
As a director of photography, Kate Phelan’s work has screened at Berlin, SXSW, and Sundance. She’s shot pilots for MTV & VH1, and lensed promos for NBC, CBS, TBS, Bravo, and Nickelodeon, among others. Her versatility stems from her 12 years in the electric department (Local 52) where she gaffed features for Karin Kusama, John Sayles, and Jim McKay. Her most recent documentary is Every. Body. (Focus Features, 2023) She lives in New York with her husband and two children.
Editor Oriel Danielson
Oriel Danielson is a NY-based documentary filmmaker. After earning his BFA from the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2013, he worked on various non-fiction television programs and documentaries in Sweden, both in front and behind the camera. In 2015, he relocated to NYC and shifted his focus to editing, working for major media companies such as Spotify, Great Big Story (CNN) and NowThis News. Oriel's interest and care for social issues fuels his passion for storytelling. He edited and co-wrote the Emmy nominated feature documentary This Ain't Normal (2021 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, Outstanding Social Issue Documentary), and won an Emmy in 2020 with his Great Big Story team for the web-series The Brave (2021 Daytime Emmy Awards, Outstanding Short Format Daytime Program,) telling stories of community activists. Today Oriel lives in the Catskill mountains of New York, where he continues to develop and create documentary content and work as an editor.
Art History Advisor Nancy Siegel, Ph.D
Nancy Siegel is Professor of Art History and Culinary History at Towson University and specializes in American landscape studies, underrepresented women artists of the 19th century, print culture, and culinary history of the 18th and 19th centuries. Her most recent book Susie M. Barstow: Redefining the Hudson River School complements the 2023-2024 touring exhibition she is co-curating for the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Women Reframe American Landscape: Susie Barstow & Her Circle/Contemporary Practices.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
During her time, Fanny Palmer’s artwork adorned more homes, schools, and businesses than that of any other artist, living or dead. Through her lithographs, we witness the evolution of America's landscape and culture, and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to pursue her passion.
Set against the backdrop of a bustling 19th-century New York City, Fanny Palmer's story is one of grit and determination. As a lithographer for the celebrated firm of Currier & Ives, Fanny's work revolutionized the field of printmaking, becoming a vital medium for visual storytelling during a period of profound change. We follow her journey as a central figure in the transformation of Currier & Ives into an enduring American institution. At the same time Palmer’s personal challenges gave greater depth and resilience to her remarkable life.
By supporting "Etching the American Dream," you will jumpstart the project's production phase, enabling us to shoot the bulk of our principal photography from February to May 2024. Your contributions will directly fuel the production, covering expenses for expert interviews, location shoots, equipment, and supporting our skilled (and budget-conscious) crew. Our shooting locations will include New York, Brooklyn, and the Hudson Valley. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to our animation team, initiating the process of working with high-resolution scans of Palmer's lithography to vividly animate her work and narrative.
Why Me?
My unique blend of expertise, personal resonance, and parallel experiences position me as the quintessential storyteller to bring Fanny Palmer's compelling narrative to the screen. With a background in writing and producing short form nonfiction for television (SundanceTV, Sesame Street), I have honed my craft in presenting personal stories effectively. My independent projects, exemplified by the captivating short "Lucky Lake," illustrate my adeptness at unveiling hidden historical narratives. What sets me apart is not just my professional experience, but a personal connection to the subject matter. A lifelong passion for 19th-century New York, coupled with a genuine admiration for Palmer's lithographic art, positions me to have the drive and determination to see this project to fruition.
I've been researching and developing this project for 24 months, and now is the time to make it happen. Your support today will fuel the production phase of the film. Then, this summer, we will go into the edit suite to begin layering animation into the storyline. By early fall, we will have our first rough draft, which will be timed nicely for our planned solo exhibition of Fanny Palmer's original lithography in October 2024 at one of the coolest galleries in Narrowsburg, NY. We aim to share a fine cut of "Etching the American Dream" with our supporters at that time.
Who is Fanny Palmer?
Fanny Palmer (1812-1876) is “the O.G.” commercial artist and her untold story has the power to transcend time and connect people across generations. Her pioneering role as one of the most successful commercial artists of her time, working in a predominantly male-dominated field, serves as an inspirational example of breaking through gender barriers. Palmer was a powerful storyteller who defied expectations to leave an indelible mark on American visual history. And her meticulous depictions of American landscapes and scenes of daily life offer a vivid window into a crucial era in our nation’s history.
I recently interviewed Nancy Siegel, Ph.D about Palmer's important role in art history and American culture. "Fanny Palmer is one of our most successful commercial artists in America," she says. Palmer's identity has been hidden from us, but now is the time to share her story with the world. "Art historians will tell you that some of the most interesting material is found in the footnotes." Siegel says. "Now is the time to bring Fanny Palmer out of the footnote." We couldn't agree more!
Fanny's Artwork and Legacy
One of the most compelling aspects of "Etching the American Dream" will be the inclusion of Palmer's own lithographs, which will serve as a cornerstone of the film's visual storytelling. Through digital cut-out animation, her works will spring to life, offering a dynamic portrayal of the biographical highlights of her life. This animated approach will not only pay homage to Palmer's craftsmanship, but also infuse the film with a sense of vitality and movement.
Many audience members—particularly those growing up in the mid-20th century—may find themselves pleasantly surprised to realize that they've been admirers of Palmer's work without ever knowing her name. Fanny Palmer's captivating lithographs, renowned in 19th-century America, experienced a resurgence in the 20th century, reaching an even wider audience. Her timeless images became fixtures on everyday items, adorning Travelers Insurance calendars and adding a nostalgic touch to Hallmark Christmas ornaments and vintage-inspired cookie tins, ensuring her anonymous legacy endured well into the modern era.
Look & Feel
“Etching the American Dream” will be a visual feast, artfully weaving together elements to create a unique and engaging viewing experience. Stepping away from the conventional trappings of historical documentaries, this film will eschew period music, static images and didactic interviews, opting instead for a more tactile and personal approach, including original animation. Some of the films that are helping inform our vibrant, handmade aesthetic include "Coded," "306 Hollywood," "Almost There."
Behind the Scenes
The director will peel back the layers of the documentary storytelling process, incorporating poignant "behind-the-scenes" moments to illuminate the challenges and rewards inherent in crafting the narrative of a forgotten pioneer. Through glimpses into the production process, viewers will witness the intersection of two narratives—one from the past and one unfolding in the present—creating a nuanced perspective on the shared struggles of two storytellers separated by time. Fanny's medium of lithography, like the documentary genre itself, has often been relegated to the periphery of artistic recognition, deemed a "lesser" form. It's a symbiotic exploration of resilience and creativity, where the filmmaker's journey mirrors the indomitable spirit of Fanny Palmer, both navigating a world that sometimes undervalues their chosen mediums.
What Else Can You Do?
Even if you do not have the ability to donate funds to the project at this phase, please consider sharing the link [https://seedandspark.com/fund/fanny-palmer] and the text below to your social media to help spread the word. Someone in your circles may have a personal resonance—with New York culture, women's stories, righting historical wrongs—and jump on board to support. I would so appreciate it! Here's some text to share:
"Meet Fanny Palmer, 19th c. America's most successful commercial artist. Don't worry if you haven't heard of her. With your help, we're about to ensure Fanny reclaims her place in history and inspires a new generation. Support the Fanny Palmer documentary today!"
What If?
You may be asking yourself, what if the project does not reach the targeted fundraising goal? We are deeply committed to reaching our goal. However, if a campaign does not reach 80% or more of its goal, supporters' credit cards are not charged and the filmmakers do not receive funds. We are also applying for grants and fellowships. On a more positive note, what if we raise more than our goal? If that is happens, we utilize the additional funds to travel to locations outside the New York / tristate area to interview curators, historians, and experts, as well as to shoot additional drone footage of landscapes and locations that are part of Fanny's story.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Principal Photography
Costs $14,000
We're shooting! Interviews in early 2024 in & around New York City, as well as landscape footage in Hudson Valley & Catskills.
Animation
Costs $8,500
We're bringing Fanny Palmer's artwork to life through cutout digital animation!
Digitizing Fanny Palmer's Work
Costs $2,500
We'll be capturing original lithos by Fanny Palmer as high resolution digital files for use in the film and animation. This is a big job!
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Director Tina Spangler
Director Tina Spangler is a Sullivan County, NY-based cinematic storyteller working in the documentary film genre. For the past 20 years, she has created a wide variety of original short-form video content for television, as well as several independent film projects. Spangler began her career creating dozens of original segments for Sundance Channel (2000-2005), including filmmaker profiles and thematic nonfiction works. Most recently, she produced, wrote, and directed several nonfiction short films for Sesame Street (2021-2023). She has also directed and produced independent documentaries. The founder and longtime director of the Big Eddy Film Festival (2012-2022), Spangler has also spent a significant part of her career curating independent films for festivals, affording her the opportunity to view and evaluate thousands of indie films of all genres.
Cinematographer Kate Phelan
As a director of photography, Kate Phelan’s work has screened at Berlin, SXSW, and Sundance. She’s shot pilots for MTV & VH1, and lensed promos for NBC, CBS, TBS, Bravo, and Nickelodeon, among others. Her versatility stems from her 12 years in the electric department (Local 52) where she gaffed features for Karin Kusama, John Sayles, and Jim McKay. Her most recent documentary is Every. Body. (Focus Features, 2023) She lives in New York with her husband and two children.
Editor Oriel Danielson
Oriel Danielson is a NY-based documentary filmmaker. After earning his BFA from the Stockholm Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2013, he worked on various non-fiction television programs and documentaries in Sweden, both in front and behind the camera. In 2015, he relocated to NYC and shifted his focus to editing, working for major media companies such as Spotify, Great Big Story (CNN) and NowThis News. Oriel's interest and care for social issues fuels his passion for storytelling. He edited and co-wrote the Emmy nominated feature documentary This Ain't Normal (2021 News and Documentary Emmy Awards, Outstanding Social Issue Documentary), and won an Emmy in 2020 with his Great Big Story team for the web-series The Brave (2021 Daytime Emmy Awards, Outstanding Short Format Daytime Program,) telling stories of community activists. Today Oriel lives in the Catskill mountains of New York, where he continues to develop and create documentary content and work as an editor.
Art History Advisor Nancy Siegel, Ph.D
Nancy Siegel is Professor of Art History and Culinary History at Towson University and specializes in American landscape studies, underrepresented women artists of the 19th century, print culture, and culinary history of the 18th and 19th centuries. Her most recent book Susie M. Barstow: Redefining the Hudson River School complements the 2023-2024 touring exhibition she is co-curating for the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, Women Reframe American Landscape: Susie Barstow & Her Circle/Contemporary Practices.