Noted: The Future of Folk Art

That display is beautiful, and I'm sad to hear of the plight of the AFAM. I hope they're able to move forward into a brighter future!

As pretty as the display in the opening image of this article was, it is a shame that the organizers had to make it appear 'high tech' looking to attract visitors. People expect flash and are very accepting of inferior products simply because they twinkle and make noise. Because of that, people do not appreciate the history of such art and therefore label it as something that is outdated and not modern.

Great display!

I made a visit to AFAM a while ago. It is a truly wonderful & inspiring place. I hope it continues to be just that for many years to come

What a powerful exhibit shown in the picture. Imagine all the time it took to create all of those quilts! The amount of detail, time involved, exactitude, and the artist's resolute drive and dedication are often overlooked in fiber arts when relegated to "craft." I'm glad this museum has had the chance to restructure and stay open! Thanks for alerting our attention to the museum's need. It is certainly an important fixture in society.

The Red and White quilt show shown above was wonderul, if a bit overwhelming, and the crowds kept on coming. What's in a name?

Wonderful exhibit and great post. I've never been to AFAM but I've heard from others who have and hope to be able to visit sometime.

Perhaps different and new types of displays (even though the product/art/process is essentially the same) are necessary to continue to truly engage the public, and give opportunity to help them become more knowledgeable and inspired - relating the work to this present time, and not only the past.

Beautiful display.

Love the quilt.

Let's remember the crafts that help build our nation .People need to know how things can be created by hand , you don't have to be slave to a retailer. You can make it yourself, be independent!

I love the definition of folk art as encompassing the work of the self-taught artist. I never thought about it before, but it's so true and I think that's exactly why I love it so much!

One aspect of AFAM is it's continued influence. I did not see this stunning display of red and white quilts, though I wish I had been able to experience this. But since reading many blogs and websites talking about this display, I've seen a huge increase in the number of red & white quilts, solid quilts, and monochromatic quilts. I love how so many "new" trends, like the solid quilt trend, have roots in some of these beloved folk arts. Thank you for sharing this. I hope AFAM for a long time.

I had no idea that AFAM was experiencing such a crisis. When I lived closer to the museum it was my favorite place to visit for inspiration. I'd say of the top 5 exhibits I have ever seen, 3 of them would have been at AFAM.

Beautiful ,love it

Maybe they should just re-market their collection as "outsider art". Way hipper.

Wishing AFAM all the best. With a Display like that, I doubt as wonderful as all Artisians and Crafters are. The Gorgeous Display of AFAM speaks for itself. Lets Roll !!!!!

Love the photo of all the wonderful quilts! Glad to know people are promoting the continuation of the museum. Thanks for your article- Shell

Great display!

This is a fundamental problem happening throughout the Museum world, smaller institutions are having a hard time battling for their a place of relevancy in today's society. However, AFAM should take a look at the thriving Craft and Folk Art Museum in Santa Monica, CA, or the American Visionary Museum in Baltimore, MD. Though craft or folk may not be as "hot" as design is perceived to be, it's all about changing that perception by engaging the visitor to make them dedicated to the place and seeing it as indispensible.

Oh thank you for this article...I have been dying to get to New York one of these days (I live in Arizona) and my first stop was always going to be AFAM...I didn't realize it almost closed! I adore folk art...another place I still want to get to is the American Visionary Museum in Baltimore. I would be so depressed if these places didn't continue to exist and thrive. I find so much raw heart and soul in folk art...it is incredibly important to acknowledge it and elevate it for our culture. (LOVE that photo of all the red/white quilts, as a former quilter myself)

I have visited many of the museums in NYC and AFAM is one of my favorites!

that's sad to read. hopefully, their collection will be absorbed by other institutions so the works can continue to be shown.

I think folk art is important to our heritage. I invented my career of drawing floorplans of TV homes and perhaps I'd even be classified as a folk artist.

I really need to visit the AFAM soon. I didn't realize they were having so many troubles.

Had no idea the AFAM was in a pickle, sad. It is one of my favorites. I hope it prevails. The red and white quilt exhibit is magical. Genius way to display them. Wish I had seen it in person.

I think it raises the question of what folk is and how it can be defined, there's something of traditional craft in there. Things I tend to think of that are cultural and could disappear in the blink of an eye.

I love that display.

they have a very important collection which should stay together..glad they were rescued at the very last minute!!!

Great display. Hate to hearabout the trouble they are having. Sad.

An interesting story on the status of folk art in today's society. The quilt collection is lovely!

Love the hanging quilts, gorgeous! Craft can be seriously moving, same as art:)

This is one of my favorite museums! I hope I it can survive and keep folk art on the minds of patrons and the country.

I love anything displayed hanging. Beautiful exhibit and photo, as well as a great article! Thanks! "Let the beauty of what you love be what you do." --Rumi

Great article and I agree with 'outofline' - yes 'Craft can be seriously moving, same as art' - Art and craft are really just the same thing, or at least should be.

I visited AFAM for the first time last year. What a beautiful, important institution. Thank you for this info!

If people like us who value handmade and the process do not support them, who will? This is something we can actually take control of.

I have never been there but would love to visit. Thanks for the information.

Never been but would love to go check it out if I'm able!

It doesn't surprise me that folk art, particularly in NY, hasn't been as valued as the huge institutionalized museum work and/or gallery works. I recall having a long, heated discussion w/friends several years ago about "what is art, and what's valued." I LOVE folk, outsider, raw, self-taught, whatever you want to call art that isn't the results of a fine arts degree or isn't blessed by some well-known gallery owners. There is incredible value in fine arts/training, I'm not bashing that...but folk/outsider art has never been respected or valued by institutions. Let's call a spade a spade here--it's often about perceived financial value! I have collected folk art for years and never miss the FolkFest in Atlanta every August. There are works there that defy description. Many of those artists have been laughed at by galleries and museums for their entire careers. There should be room and reverence for ALL art. My personal definition of art is anything that evokes emotion. I may not love it all (cows with wings?), but I value it all.

Yea FOLK! Thank you for this!

i love the folk art museum. it is my absolutely favorite museum here in nyc. this museum needs to stay open!!!!

Cool! i didn't even realize that NYC had a folk art museum!

Loved the photo and article! Great work! Thanks!

As an importer and aficionado of Mexican folk art, I find that people love folk art for the joy it expresses--the joy of the maker and the joy of the object. Folk art ties the artisan to the past in a unique way that fine art and other craft do not because folk artisans are not really self taught, many have learned to excel at their craft from their parents and grandparents and the communities in which they live. This connection to tradition, learning from one's surrounding and using materials from one's environment to express cultural beliefs and practices is what Mexican folk art is all about. And it's different from fine art in that way. Saludos!

What a red and white sight! I have been working on a red and white quilt, not quite finished. Two of my quilts though managed to be shown at the earlier location and one at the Armory. I understand that the term folk art has lost some luster. Opinions like people go through stages but I am personally proud, very proud my quilts were even considered as a participant on view at The Museum of American Folk Art, NYC. Glad the word is out and things are looking up again. Art comes from the soul and those long past generations as well as all of us as children have no art degree. Nor do I but consider myself an artist and those quilters before me that passed the traditions. Folk or not art comes out. This museum and its works must continue. ... Love the spectacle of all those quilts. Great!

oops, meant AFAM.

Beautiful! There's an upcoming art doc you guys may enjoy. http://www.nkisiconcorde.com/