Shaping Traditions.
Folk Arts in a Changing South.

Open your eyes to the changing role of folk art as it influences Southern culture through a collection of 500 artifacts ranging from pottery to musical instruments.

Highlighted artists include the Meaders and Hewell family pottery makers, chair-maker Walter Shelnut, Cherokee basket-maker Lucille Lossiah, the Reeves family of basket makers, story quilter Harriet Powers and blacksmith Philip Simmons.

Throughout the exhibition, videos present folk art processes and are complemented by touchable examples of highlighted works. Two enclosed rooms create listening environments for visitors to hear folk storytelling, singing and instrumental music.

“The changing role of folk arts, once central to the lives of ordinary southerners, offers fresh insights into the region’s social history.”

Curator John Burrison

Homespun Handiwork

Pottery is a major component of Southern craft arts.

Four ceramic face jugs made in the traditional style of Edgeware Potters.

Support

The Goizueta Folklife Gallery is made possible by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Roberto C. Goizueta in memory of their son, Carlos Alberto Goizueta.

Shaping Traditions: Folk Arts in a Changing South is sponsored in part by grants from the Ford Motor Company and the National Endowment for the Arts.