 4-H
PROJECT INFORMATION - Folk Arts
This project called Folk Art is really about learning how our
ancestores lived; how they made food, toys and furniture. We
learn about the crafts, stories, songs, and wisdom from our gread-grandparents.
The best part of Folk Art is learning by doing, so we have many
people who teach the children the actual folk arts. Parents and
teachers lead these hand-on meetings. Traditions are a type of
folk art also.
Traditions are a particular way of doing things. For example,
in our family to celebrate birthdays, we bake a favorite cake,
put candles on the cake and light them, turn off all the lights
and sing "Happy Birthday."
Within each child's diverse background there are many folk arts
for them to discover, explore, experience, and enjoy. Below are
also some Folk Art web sites for you to explore.
Come and enjoy the "Old Time Gathering," an event
that brings the past to life. See first hand some of the traditions
of the area. It is held in September of each year. Look in the
July's 4-H newsletter for details.
Discover
What is folk art? According to definition, folk arts are:
- Arts through which groups of people maintain and pass on
their way of life
- Traditional and contain history
- Learned from another person
by observation and example
- Often complex and sophisticated
- Old and new at the same time.
Explore - There are a number of folk arts including but not
limited to:
- basketmaking
- storytelling
- quilting
- soapmaking
- wheat weaving
- rug braiding
- lacemaking
- candlemaking
- dancing
- Scherenschnitte (German papercutting)
- pottery making
- bead work
- wood carving
- blacksmithing
However, there are so many more. What is your
family's folk arts?
Experience
The purpose of the Folk Art project is to learn to appreciate
the wisdom, skill, and knowledge of ordinary people who passed
their crafts and skills to their children. Books are not a
good substitute. Children learn by doing. I encourage children
to ask grandparents, aunts, and uncles to tell children and
show them about traditions held dear in their family.
Enjoy
Every one of us has a rich heritage and these certain traditions
and crafts were passed on through the generations. For instance,
being German, my father taught me how to do the Polka when
I was a little girl. We danced the Polka at wedding receptions.
So, sit down with your children and figure out what folk arts
are in your family and learn more about them. You will be happy
you did. Join the 4-H Fok Art project and share your family folk
arts with others.
Interesting Web Sites:
 To learn about Basketry, buy supplies,
take classes contact:
Eileen and Jim Mirsberger, owners
East Troy Basketry
2082 Church Street
East Troy, WI 53120
Phone Toll Free (888) 424-9866
Email: basket@wcf.net
http://www.easttroybasketry.com
 To learn about Scherenschnitte, which is German papercutting,
buy supplies and patterns refer to:
Papercuttings by Alison
PO Box 2771
Sarasota, FL 34230
Phone: (941) 378-8411
http://www.papercuttingsbyalison.com/
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