What can I, the individual artist, do to improve my discipline (and world, such as it is)? At Parabasis, Isaac Butler ardently argues that Personal Virtue (a concept usually discussed in reference to global warming) can and should apply to individual artists. Butler talks about theater artists, specifically, but I think his conclusions are universal to all disciplines: be a … [Read more...]
Keepers of Tradition
Here's a new blog to add to your feed: Keepers of Tradition. It's a blog about traditional arts in Massachusetts by state folklorist Maggie Holtzberg, and I vigorously and with lots of enthusiastic verbal flourishes recommend you make a habit of reading it. (And not only because Maggie sits catty-corner from me at the Massachusetts Cultural Council offices.) It's part … [Read more...]
Rugged Terrain
At 88, Jeanne Fallier's nimble fingers and talented eyes have produced hundreds of magnificent hooked rugs and soft sculptures. See what The Lowell Sun has to say about her work. Photo of Jeanne Fallier and beaver rug by Maggie Holtzberg. Photo of hooked turkey by Jason Dowdle … [Read more...]
Mass Cultural Council Artist Fellowships announced
The 2008 Artist Fellowships in Choreography, Drawing, Fiction/Creative Nonfiction, Painting, Poetry, and Traditional Arts have been announced. Mass Cultural Council's Artist Fellowships are anonymously judged and provide unrestricted grants (currently $7,500) to individual artists in recognition of artistic excellence. The program, which has existed in this state, in one … [Read more...]
Folk Art at the National Heritage Museum
What happens when you combine a copper cow weathervane, a Wampanoag twined basket, a Vejigante en Estilo de Ponce (Puerto Rican Carnival Figure), and a piece of Armenian needle lace? If you answer a Buchel installation, youre wrong. Its a magnificent exhibition of living traditions that are hidden from the mainstream. To see for yourself, check out the … [Read more...]