Research

The ongoing research and documentation that forms the basis for all our folk arts programming is completed in partnership with traditional artists and community experts.

Because folk art reflects a particular group's history and culture, those outside the group can't expect to look at a piece of folk art and understand the meaning and importance it holds for the artist and his community. To truly learn about folk art, we work with the people who make and use it.

Our Folk Arts Program documents and presents local artists who are often unknown outside of their own families and communities. Documentation materials (including slides and photographs of artists and their work, audio and video interviews,) form a permanent record of our region's folk traditions.

Ongoing Research and Documentation

Our research and documentation is ongoing. Please leave your name and number at the museum reception desk if you'd like to share information about folk traditions in your family or community.