Memory

Craft can tell important stories about the events that shaped our shared culture and history; or it can serve to document our own individual journeys. Regardless of the artist’s intent, a hand-crafted object can impart to us a deeper understanding of our Nation’s collective memory.

This guide for educators contains material that will develop and expand on the ideas presented in the Memory episode.

Downloads:
Full Memory Guide

Memory: Fragments

Like pieces in a puzzle, some works of art are fragments of a bigger picture. This education guide presents inquiry-based explorations to help students gain greater insight into how fragments fit into the context of a larger whole.

Downloads:
Memory: Fragments Guide

Memory: Roots

Culture and heritage are important sources of inspiration for many artists. These artists feel a strong connection to their origins and incorporate these ideas into their work. In this guide, students will explore the influence of “roots” on selected craft artists and examine how they are affected by their own culture and traditions.

Downloads:
Memory: Roots Guide

Memory: Hand To Home

Many craftspeople are driven to create objects that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also useful in practical ways. In this section, students will learn how artists blend form and function to construct beautiful and useful handmade works.

Downloads:
Memory: Hand To Home Guide

Landscape

For craft artists the natural world is a resource not only for creative inspiration, but also for the materials with which they work. For as long as art has existed, ingenuity and necessity have led artists to transform natural elements into tools of expression. This educational guide explores the connections between artists and their environment and relates to the material presented in the Landscape episode.

Landscape: Natural Connections

A number of craft artists rely on natural materials to create. Through the work of George Nakashima and Jan Yager, students will learn how the artists’ creations mirror their relationships with nature and how raw natural materials are used and adapted to make art.

Downloads:
Landscape: Natural Connections Guide

Landscape: Place

The physical, emotional and social facets of an artist’s environment can be reflected in their work. In this guide, students will gain a greater understanding of how artists connect with their surroundings through the work of Kit Carson and David Gurney.

In this section, students will also get insight into how artists find inspiration from the places that resonate with them.

Downloads:
Landscape: Place Guide

Landscape: Personal Landscape

Within our personal landscapes, reside the ideas and belief systems that make up our identities. Richard Notkin and Denise Wallace draw on their personal landscapes when creating works that convey what they are passionate about. Students will discover how art can reveal glimpses of the artist’s psyche.

Downloads:
Landscape: Personal Landscape Guide

Community

Community is an integral part of the history of craft. Art forms survive by being handed down from one generation to the next. Craft also helps unite artists in the spirit of shared goals and experiences. This educational guide explores the importance of community for craft artists.

Downloads:
Community: Full Guide

Community: Show Me

Artists have kept our craft forms alive throughout the centuries by carrying on the traditions of those who came before them; some remain faithful to long-established practices while others move in new directions. In this section of the guide, students will learn that some artists including Mary Jackson, and the instructors at Penland School of Craft, find fulfillment in sharing the knowledge with others.

Downloads:
Community: Show Me Guide

Community: Hand in Hand

Collaboration is a necessity for some artists, and a challenge to others. The artists at Mississippi Cultural Crossroads and the Pilchuck Glass School prefer to work with others to create beautiful hand crafted objects that express a common goal and shared vision. Students will learn the benefits of working hand in hand with others, as well as the complications of collaboration.

“The amazing thing about the glass community in general is that it is very much about the spirit of cooperation. I think that that energy is transferred into the piece.” - Preston Singletary Pilchuck School of Glass

Downloads:
Community: Hand In Hand Guide

Community: Continuity and Change

For all craft artists the influence of tradition can be strong. Some find it difficult to diverge from the conventions of their craft and separate themselves from the artists who came before them. Still many artists are driven to infuse tradition with their own ideas and practices. In this section of the guide, students will explore continuity and change through the work of Richard Notkin and Einar and Jamex de la Torre.

Downloads:
Community: Continuity & Change Guide

Origins

There is a significant place in the realm of craft for the established, traditional techniques and designs. But fresh ideas and variations keep art moving forward, reflecting the ever-changing world around us.

Downloads:
Origins: Jim Bassler Guide
Origins: Jim Bassler Worksheets
Origins: Teri Greeves Guide
Origins: Teri Greeves Worksheets

Process

Inspiration comes from myriad sources – collaboration, personal experiences and even the materials themselves shape the course of creation. Process culminates in the emergence of meaningful art, deeper understanding and innovation.

Downloads:
Process: Julie Chen Guide
Process: Julie Chen Worksheets
Process: Williamsons Guide
Process: Williamsons Worksheets

The Craft in America exhibit runs for the duration of National Harvest Festival, Wednesday - Sunday, September 11 - October 30, 2010.

Group rates are available at all Silver Dollar City Attractions for groups with advance reservations for 15 or more paid admissions. Information about meal tickets is also available.

Place your reservation request online today, or for more information, contact the groups department or call 800-417-7770.