Digital Resource of the Week: Craft in America

UARTS LIBRARIES NEWS

Digital Resource of the Week: Craft in America
By Shannon Robinson
January 30, 2012

Craft in America is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the history, techniques, and preservation of American arts and design. The organization is dedicated to educating students of all ages about historical and contemporary craft.

The website introduces contemporary artisans in all craft media: clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, and paper/book arts. A section is dedicated to each material, linking to articles on the craftsmanship and history, as well as providing a list of craft galleries, museums, and magazines. The education section discusses craft by themes such as memory and community. The website gives access to virtual exhibitions.

The organization also produces a TV series that airs on PBS. Each episode focuses on a topic and how crafters in each material approach that topic. You can watch much of the series on PBS’ website and also get access to episodes of the show by downloading PBS’ free iPhone or iPad App. Or, borrow the first three episodes from the UArts Libraries.

Finally, check out the book Craft in America published in 2007. It’s full of beautiful color images representing all crafts, focusing on American craft communities and education. The UArts Libraries has a copy, of course

(University of the Arts Libraries)