June 17, 2020
2020 Apprenticeship Team, Washington & Chandler
It is with great pleasure that we continue with the roll out profiles of the 2020 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program (TAAP) teams of master artists and apprentices. Stay tuned for several updates in the next several days. [Be sure to click on hyperlinks for more of the story.] Loretta Washington & Brianna Chandler African American Generational Storytelling Anyone who follows the Missouri Folk Arts Program and its Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program should be familiar with master storyteller Loretta Washington (Florissant, Mo.), a 2003 apprentice to Dr.
April 29, 2020
Old-time Music & Quarantunes
We at MO Arts continue to use the Show Me Folk blog, in these unusual times, to shine a bit more light on Missouri’s folk and traditional artists, particularly those who have had shifted their focus a bit, or a lot, due to the world’s collective efforts to “flatten the curve.” We are often reminded that folk arts and folklife are not static, but dynamic and innovative. Tradition bearers prove that time and time again, especially in adversity. With these posts, we hope our readers find the time to visit the social media of featured artists. Perhaps, readers will be…
April 9, 2020
Mask Makers of Missouri
We at MO Folk Arts are using the Show Me Folk blog, in these unusual times, to shine a bit more light on the state’s folk and traditional artists, particularly those who have had shifted their focus a bit, or a lot, due to the world’s collective efforts to “flatten the curve.” We are often reminded that folk arts and folklife are not static, but dynamic and innovative. Tradition bearers prove that time and time again, especially in adversity. With these posts, we hope our readers find the time to visit the websites and social media of featured artists. Perhaps,…
March 29, 2020
2020 Apprenticeship Team, Alexander & Dickson
It is with great pleasure that we roll out profiles of the 2020 Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program (TAAP) teams of master artists and apprentices. Our regular Show Me Folk blog readers should recognize both members of this team from posts in 2019. [Be sure to click on hyperlinks for more of the story.] Bob Alexander & Matt Dickson, Blacksmithing TAAP apprentice Matt Dickson (left) and master blacksmith Bob Alexander pose on a bench outside Alexander’s Scrub Oak Forge during a site visit in early March 2020. They are displaying hand-forged lamps and…
March 23, 2020
Missouri Distillers
We at MO Folk Arts are using the Show Me Folk blog, in these unusual times, to shine a bit more light on the state’s folk and traditional artists who make a living at their craft. We plan to feature artists and culture keepers who have lost gigs or experienced slowdowns due to the world’s collective efforts to “flatten the curve.” We are often reminded that folk arts and folklife are not static, but dynamic and innovative. Traditional bearers prove that time and again, especially in adversity. With these posts, we hope our readers find their way to visit the…
March 18, 2020
Irish Musicians Arkins & Gannon
In the coming days, we at MO Folk Arts will use this blog to shine a bit more light on the state’s folk and traditional artists who make a living at their craft. We plan to feature artists who have lost gigs as venue doors close, events are postponed indefinitely, and shops are shuttered. With these posts, at a minimum, we hope our readers find their way to the artists’ websites/social media, to listen and look at some amazing folk and traditional arts. Perhaps, even, readers will be moved to make a purchase, recommend an artist to others…
Feb. 26, 2020
National Marker Program Celebrates Folklore
COLUMBIA, Mo. February 25, 2020 — Intriguing stories from Missouri’s rich heritage of folklore will be featured on roadside markers at locations across the state thanks to a partnership between the Missouri Arts Council’s Missouri Folk Arts Program (MFAP) at University of Missouri and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Established by the Pomeroy Foundation in 2015, the Legends & Lore program helps communities celebrate local folklore and legends with roadside markers. MFAP will serve as a grant evaluator for the Pomeroy Foundation’s expanding national Legends & Lore Marker Grant Program, helping to put Missouri folklore in the spotlight. A…
Feb. 18, 2020
Breathing New Life into Missouri Fiddling
Rachel Krause interviewed oldtime fiddler John P. Williams (Madison) and rhythm guitarist Kenny Applebee for this artist profile and video published online by Oldtime Central in February 2020. “John P. Williams is an oldtime fiddler from Madison, Missouri who grew up deeply entrenched in the tradition of Missouri fiddling. John was a regular attendee of the Bethel Youth Fiddle Camp and apprenticed under Pete McMahan in the late 90’s as part of the Missouri Folk Arts Program. He studied under Missouri fiddlers Bob Holt, Vesta Johnson, Dwight Lamb, Taylor McBaine, Fred Stoneking, Johnny Bruce, Herman Johnson,…
Jan. 27, 2020
Carnaval de Barranquilla
Carnaval de Barranquilla & Carmen S. Dence Folk Arts Focus Exhibit October 1, 2019 – February 7, 2020 In October 2019, the Missouri Folk Arts Program installed its inaugural focus exhibit, featuring the work of Carmen Sofia Dence, a master Colombian folk dancer, choreographer, and costume designer, from St. Louis, Mo. Dence and MFA Director Lisa L. Higgins worked together to identify the objects for the exhibition case and to draft exhibit and object text. Dence visited the Museum of Art and Archaeology on…
Dec. 9, 2019
Tribute to Lois Jane Mueller
Master quilter Lois Mueller (left) explains a quilt to MFAP staff during a site visit. From the MFAP archives housed at the State Historical Society of Missouri. We at the Missouri Folk Arts Program are saddened to learn from Barry Bergey that master quilter Lois Mueller died on Wednesday, December 4, 2019. Formerly of St. Louis, the Muellers relocated to New Haven in the Missouri River Valley to establish their Röbller Vineyard in 1988, first vintage in 1990. She never stopped quilting. Mrs. Mueller was a master quilter in the…