What is Folk Art?
- FOLK ART is rooted in traditions that come from community and culture - expressing cultural identity by conveying shared community values and aesthetics.
- FOLK ART encompasses a range of utilitarian and decorative media, including cloth, wood, paper, clay, metal and more.
- FOLK ART is made by individuals whose creative skills convey their community’s authentic cultural identity, rather than an individual or idiosyncratic artistic identity.
- FOLK ARTISTS traditionally learn skills and techniques through apprenticeships in informal community settings, though they may also be formally educated.
The Artist Selection Committee is guided by the following criteria when they evaluate Folk Art Market applications to select participants: artistic quality; marketability (appeal of art form/art work to Folk Art Market visitors); traditionalism of the art form/art work as well as of the design and the production process; acquisition of artistic knowledge (how the artist has acquired their artistic knowledge and skills); and role or use of the art form/art work in the artist’s community.
The Artist Selection Committee meets in Santa Fe in early December to select Folk Art Market participants. All applicants are notified by email in December whether or not they are invited to participate in the Folk Art Market in July.
