American Folk Art

By Shannon Vought – Language assistant

What is folk art?• Folk art does not follow academic art or any type of

training, it has no set technique or theme• It might be something you don´t think of as art• It can be made from ANY material• Folk art has CREATIVE edginess or rawness• It can be pottery, painting, or sculpture that reflect

memories from childhood or images that stand out to the artist – this is called narrative art.

• Folk art is extremely diverse and is found all over the world and throughout history!

What is narrative art?• Narrative Art tells a story. It

uses the power of the visual image to ignite imaginations, evoke emotions and capture universal cultural truths and aspirations. What distinguishes Narrative Art from other genres is its ability to narrate a story across diverse cultures, preserving it for future generations.

Folk artists might use:

• Pencils, crayons, markers, paint for color – but others may glue pieces of torn paper, leftover fabric, metals, strings, or even things from nature to give their pieces life

• Clay, or other materials to make sculptures• Simple drawing techniques, paper cutouts, or

homemade stencils for outlines• Many different materials for one art piece• Strange shapes and designs that depict

something, somewhere, or someone important to them

Nathan's Famous Vestie Davis (1903–1978) New York City 1958. Oil on canvas 20 x 32 in. American Folk Art Museum, bequest of Gloria Bley Miller, 2008.5.5

Clementine Hunter

Art in North Carolina

• North Carolina as a rich folk art culture all across the state.

• Since there are beaches and mountains in NC,the folk art is very diverse.

• Tourists love to go to folk art museums to see this fascinating art style.

Artisan Art Festivals

Blowing Rock, NC –Found in the BlueRidge Mountains,Folk art festivals featuring loca artistsare a common event

Amy Goldstein Rice

Kathy Cooper

Marie-Helene Grabman

Mary Goslin

Become a folk artist! (activity)

• Using the ideas from narrative folk art and the examples in the power point, create your own piece of folk art.

• Use different materials to create a masterpiece that depicts something, someone, or somewhere important in your life. Try to tell a story with your artwork. Use original designs, or use one you´veseen as inspiration.

• You don´t have to be an expert at drawing or painting to make beautiful and interesting pieces of meaningful art!