Kentucky by Design: The Decorative Arts and American Culture

Kentucky by Design: The Decorative Arts and American Culture

The Index of American Design was one of the most significant undertakings of the Federal Art Projectâ€•the visual arts arm of the Works Progress Administration. Part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, this ambitious initiative set out to discover and document an authentic American style in everyday objects. The curators of the Index combed the country for art of the machine ageâ€•from carved carousel horses to engraved powder horns to woven coverletsâ€•created by artisans for practical use. In their search for a true American artistic identity, they also sought furniture designed by regional craftsmen laboring in isolation from European traditions.

Kentucky by Design offers the first comprehensive examination of the objects from the Bluegrass State featured in this historic venture. It showcases a wide array of offerings, including architecture, furniture, ceramics, musical instruments, textiles, clothing, and glass- and metalworks. The Federal Art Project played an important role in documenting and preserving the work of Shaker artists from the Pleasant Hill and South Union communities, and their creations are exhibited in this illuminating catalog. Beautifully illustrated with both the original watercolor depictions and contemporary, art-quality photographs of the works, this book is a lavish exploration of the Commonwealth's distinctive contribution to American culture and modern design.

Features contributions from Jean M. Burks, Erika Doss, Jerrold Hirsch, Lauren Churilla, Larrie Currie, Michelle Ganz, Tommy Hines, Lee Kogan, Ron Pen, Janet Rae, Shelly Zegart, Mel Hankla, Philippe Chavance, Kate Hesseldenz, Madeleine Burnside, and Allan Weiss.
Country USA
Brand University Press of Kentucky
Manufacturer University Press of Kentucky
Binding Hardcover
UnitCount 1
Format Illustrated
EANs 9780813155678
ReleaseDate 0000-00-00

Country	USA
Brand	University Press of Kentucky
Manufacturer	University Press of Kentucky
Binding	Hardcover
UnitCount	1
Format	Illustrated
EANs	9780813155678
ReleaseDate	0000-00-00

Kentucky by Design: The Decorative Arts and American Culture

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