Museum of International Folk Art
The Museum of World Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico is a must-see for anybody interested in the rich and varied cultural traditions of people from around the globe. The museum houses one of the largest and most complete collections of folk art in the world, with over 130,000 artifacts.
Florence Dibell Bartlett, a collector of a folk art who traveled widely over the world to acquire works for her collection, founded the Museum of World Folk Art in 1953. Bartlett believed that folk art was a significant expression of the human experience, and he aspired to provide a location where people might gather to learn about and enjoy these works.
Currently, the museum is housed in a stunning structure that combines aspects of traditional New Mexican adobe architecture with contemporary design. The vivid colors and exquisite intricacies of the on-display artwork quickly attract visitors.
The Girard Wing, which displays the large collection of renowned designers and collectors of folk art Alexander Girard, is one of the most popular displays in the museum. There are nearly 10,000 things on show, ranging from fabrics and costumes to toys and sculptures, all organized in vivid and creative displays.
Another centerpiece of the museum is the Gallery of Conscience, which explores social justice and human rights via thought-provoking displays. Migration, water rights, and the role of women in society have been the subjects of recent exhibitions.
In addition to its permanent collections, the Museum of World Folk Art offers numerous temporary displays throughout the year. These shows feature the work of modern folk artists and offer a glimpse into the global evolution of folk art traditions.
A recent show entitled “Crafting Memory: The Art of Community in Peru” examined how craft-making has been utilized to construct and strengthen communities in Peru, particularly in the aftermath of political and social unrest. In addition to textiles, ceramics, and other handicrafts, photographs and oral histories gave context and a backdrop for the items on show.
Alexander Girard, the designer and collector whose collection forms the basis of the museum’s holdings, was the subject of a recent exhibition entitled “A Designer’s World: Alexander Girard: A Designer’s Universe.” The exhibition featured a variety of Girard’s creations, including textiles, furniture, toys, and decorative objects, as well as archive materials such as sketches and pictures that revealed his creative process.
The commitment of the Museum of World Folk Art to providing visitors with an interactive, hands-on experience distinguishes it from other museums. Visitors are encouraged to touch and interact with many of the objects on exhibit throughout the museum, including the vibrant textiles in the Girard Wing and the elaborate masks and puppets in the Asian and African collections.
In addition, the museum provides a variety of educational activities and workshops for visitors of all ages. These workshops offer chances to learn more about the cultures and traditions represented in the museum’s collections and to develop practical skills in areas such as weaving, embroidery, and papermaking.
The Museum of World Folk Art provides guided tours and lectures by curators and experts for anyone who wish to delve more deeply into the museum’s collections and history. These tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the museum’s collections and provide light on the museum’s efforts to preserve and promote folk art traditions from throughout the globe.
Overall, the Museum of International Folk Art is a treasury of cultural resources, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to explore the different and intriguing customs of people from throughout the world. With its broad collections, captivating displays, and commitment to teaching and community participation, the museum is a must-visit for everyone interested in the rich fabric of human civilization.