FOLK ARTS
Any discussion of folk art must begin with a definition of those two rather hazy words, "folk" and "art." Art historians and collectors, artists and art critics, folklorists and anthropologists may define and use the two words quite differently. "Art" in the sense it is used here refers not to a class of object, but rather to that aspect of any object that goes beyond the strictly utilitarian, and which is intended to give pleasure to maker, viewer, or both. "Folk" refers to the object having been made by members of a specific cultural subgroup of the greater society, either for their own use or for "export" beyond their community to the society at large.
Chinese folk arts developed from the country's customs and traditions. Some arose from the needs of everyday life or a desire for entertainment. Others are closely related to important festivals or symbolize Chinese values or legends. Wherever the source, many of the folk arts practiced in Taiwan have changed little over the centuries, and today these handicrafts make unusual mementos of the exotic culture which fostered them.
The Cuckoo's Nest Folk Club takes pleasure in providing this Celtic Resource Center. The site represent some of the best of Celtic culture to be found on the net. Looking for other folk concerts in the area, looking for a particular band? Here is where to find out about Celtic art and culture.
Founded in 1989, Folk Alliance was created to increase public awareness of the vital artistic and cultural importance of folk music and dance, because we believe that through folk music and dance, living cultural expressions and traditions are shared, heightening understanding of all cultures, and enriching our quality of life. Folk Alliance seeks to create new and better opportunities for all those involved in the performance folk arts, opportunities for growth, to learn, to share the common bonds of appreciation and participation in the Folk Alliance.
The Folk Arts Center of New England is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting traditional dance, music, and related folk arts of many cultures. The Folk Arts Center sponsors community folk dances, as well as workshops and other special events. For over 20 years, its leaders and teachers have provided cultural and educational programs in public and private schools and community settings. The Folk Arts Center publishes a newsletter and-in cooperation with other groups and individuals-a calendar of dances and events in the greater Boston area.
Whether it is a graceful ceramic pot made high in the mountains of Peru, a rich and vibrant kilim uncovered deep in the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, or a crudely hammered prayer box from Northern Africa, folk arts and crafts offer a window into the lives, spirits, and souls of the people who create them. Sharing this common ground of beauty, art, and celebration allows us to learn more about other peoples, and in some way, more about ourselves. Our goal is to bring you these treasures, lovingly hand-crafted by artisans around the world and to create a bridge to other cultures, traditions, and ways of life through these products.
The Folk Art Society of America, founded in 1987, has become a dynamic, non-profit organization which advocates the discovery, study, documentation, preservation and exhibition of folk art, folk artists and folk art environments. Artists, educators, historians, writers, collectors, dealers, curators, museums, libraries and art enthusiasts from across the United States and around the world join together to share a common bond of interest in self-taught art and the unique individuals involved in its creation. You can become a part of this network of individuals and organizations who actively support the work of folk, self-taught and outsider artists by joining the Folk Art Society of America.
The Greek Section of the International Organization of Folk Art is an independent non-profit cultural association. It was established in 1987 under Greek law and is based in Athens-Plaka, within the building of the Greek Dances "Dora Stratou." Among the 3,000 members there is a majority of university professors, teachers and other educators, scientists of all disciplines, as well as hundreds of directors of dance companies. Practitioners of folk art are also present, such as dancers, musicians,
craftsman, etc.
The Museum of American Folk Art, located in New York City, is dedicated to exploring the diversity of American culture as expressed through folk art. Founded in 1961, the Museum is the preeminent urban center of folk art scholarship in the nation. The Museum's outstanding permanent collection, critically acclaimed exhibitions, and lively lectures and workshops serve the needs of our constantly growing audience. Museum-sponsored exhibitions travel throughout the world to bring the vision of traditional and contemporary folk artists to art lovers everywhere. We invite you to visit our web site often to see what's new,
and we hope to see you at our Museum.
Founded in 1953 by Florence Dibell Bartlett, MOIFA has gained national and international recognition as the home to the world's largest collection of folk art from around the globe. The collection of more than 125,000 artifacts forms the basis for exhibitions in three distinct wings. The Girard Wing's popular permanent exhibition, "Multiple Visions: A Common Bond," showcases folk art, popular art, and toys from more than 100 nations.
The FOLKWATCH list was created to serve as a mean of communication for the folk and traditional arts, dance and music community. Appropriate topics for this list include but are not limited to: Discussions of political, social and economic factors effecting the promotion and sustenance of the community. Announcements and discussions of activities intended to create a stronger sense of unity within the community. Announcements and information regarding resources and events of interest to the community.
This site focuses on the Seri Indians of Mexico. It presents a brief history of the near-extermination of the Seri, Seri recipe for poison arrows, amazing Seri boats, The visit of the Spirit Whale: A Seri legend and how they live today.
Mexican pastries and cookies from the Del Rio Bakery, Tucson, Arizona. Welcome to the Images of the Southwest exhibit featuring the folk arts of our region. The text for this exhibit was written by Dr. James S. Griffith of the University of Arizona. The images are from Dr. Griffith's slide collection, taken over the past three decades.
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