Academic libraries have traditionally been thought of as the keepers of information. But more and more, libraries are in the business of intentionally sharing information outward. Last year Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts (AFTA), the statewide program of the University of Arkansas Libraries dedicated to building cross-cultural understanding by documenting, presenting, and sustaining Arkansas’ living traditional arts and cultural heritage, became a prime example of that kind of outreach when they produced a series of web presentations.
“In my time spent speaking with many different people who either work with or are tradition-bearers in Arkansas, many people asked if there would be a way to share their knowledge, folk art, and traditions with a larger audience,” said Lauren Willette, series organizer and staff member for AFTA. “Facilitating an online platform created a way for me to feature and reach people from all over the state of Arkansas.”
Running from April through November of 2022, the web presentations were hosted live on the AFTA’s YouTube Channel and were open to the public. We thought you might like to see them, so we created a playlist for easy access for your learning enjoyment.
About the AFTA Folklife Series Videos
- Folklorist Jan Rosenberg kicked off the series with a presentation on gospel music and folklife education in Southern Arkansas.
- Folk Art presentations were given by master artists in the Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts’ Apprenticeship Program: Pat Bergman, metalsmith; Sage Holland, glassblower and beadmaker; and Allison Williams, musician.
- James and Vera White shared the history, stories and songs from Elaine, Arkansas, regarding the Elaine Massacre of 1919.
- Maria Christina Moroles and Lauri Umansky presented their memoir on Moroles’ life and her work as founder and maintainer of Santuario Arco Iris.
- Astrologer Maureen Richmond provided an overview of the historical origins of astrological practice.
- Beekeeper Justin Lowe presented on the basics of beekeeping and his work at Rural Route Farms.
- Folklorist Rachel Reynolds discussed holiday food traditions in the Ozarks and offered tips for preparing a classic holiday dish from her own kitchen.
We are excited to announce that the Folklife Series continues this semester, starting with Ozark folk healer Brandon Weston, who presented on Feb. 15. Dr. Jared Phillips will present on the history and evolving culture of the back-to-the-land movement in Northwest Arkansas at 1 p.m. March 15.
