The Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program is a vital part of Mass Cultural Council's strategy to help the many diverse communities in Massachusetts preserve their cultural heritage. Through one-on-on mentorships, the Apprenticeships help strengthen traditional arts - especially those that may be endangered. We are pleased to share three new videos, telling the stories of … [Read more...]
Rep. Trahan Honors Young Artist
Recently, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, who represents Massachusetts' 3rd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives, hosted participants in the District's annual Art Competition. We are pleased to share that this year's competition winner, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School student Medhita Sinha, is a student of Sunanda Sahay. Sunanda, who was … [Read more...]
Ancient Dance, Virtual Teaching
Priya Bangal, a 2019 recipient of a Traditional Arts Apprenticeship award to work with master artist Shipra Mehrotra in Odissi dance, recently shared how their work together moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic. My daily practice moved from a large rented studio to a small area of the dining room at home... But the slowdown of pace and shift to the virtual realm opened … [Read more...]
Jesse Marsolais: Letter Carver and Letterpress Printer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPNHaFOGe4I Mass Cultural Council Folk Arts and Heritage Manager Maggie Holtzberg worked with filmmaker Daniel Jacobs to create this short film about Jesse Marsolais, letterpress printer and lettercarver. Jesse Marsolais works in old ways - traditional methods of letterpress printing and lettercarving in stone and wood - to meet … [Read more...]
Harold A Burnham: Master Shipwright
“I don’t want to be the last boat builder” Harold A. Burnham In an age of mass-produced fiberglass hulls, Essex shipwright Harold Burnham has reintroduced the use of locally harvested timber and essentially revived once dormant shipbuilding techniques. National Heritage Fellow Harold A. Burnham is a master of heavy construction wooden boat building, a legacy dating back to … [Read more...]