Can Craft Save America?

From weathervanes and trade signs to quilts, carvings, and painted portraiture, American folk art encompasses a wide range of handicraft practices dating back to the 17th century that symbolize ingenuity, independence, and pride, key values of American identity. The term, which emerged in the early twentieth century, has evolved over time, reflecting changes in the nation’s idealized sense of self and its aspirations for the future.

The program "Can Craft Save America?" is presented by the American Folk Art Museum and looks closely at the intersections between the handmade and nation-building.