2009 LOWELL FOLK FESTIVAL CRAFTS AREA

Keepers of Tradition II: Art & Folk Heritage in Massachusetts
2009 Lowell Folk Festival Heritage Crafts Area

Following last year’s success featuring Massachusetts tradition bearers, this year the heritage crafts area will again showcases Bay State artisanswho preserve and revitalize deeply-rooted craft traditions. Reflecting the diversity of the state, Keepers of Tradition II draws on nine years of field research by Massachusetts Cultural Council folklorists. Nearly all of the artists at the festival were featured in an exhibit of the same name at the National Heritage Museum in Lexington this past year. Together, they present a sample of the history, continuity, and vitality of cultural expression throughout the Commonwealth. 

These keepers of tradition are recognized in their communities as outstanding practitioners of their craft. Much of their work is hidden to the public at large, remaining essentially unknown beyond the local community in which it flourishes. Whether their families or communities are long-settled or newly-arrived, these Massachusetts artists demonstrate craft traditions that relate to home, work, spiritual expression, recreation, celebration, or other aspects of their way of life.

Some do handwork that dates back hundreds of years, while others use cutting-edge technology to envision or make the final product. Some traditions recall the industries or waterways of Massachusetts, while others are transplanted and adapted from other countries and continents.

Though each generation may add their special gift to the tradition, the sense of what is beautiful and well done is defined more by the community than by an individual’s personal creative statement. Thus, traditional arts often become symbols of identity and pride for a specific community, but they can be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone.

Artists’ biographies draw heavily on the exhibition catalogue, Keepers of Tradition: Art & Folk Heritage in Massachusetts by folklorist Maggie Holtzberg with photography by Jason Dowdle. More information about the artists, the exhibit, and the accompanying catalogue is at www.massfolkarts.org.

Updated 06/28/2009 10:17 AM

Crafts Demonstrators from Past Festivals