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Smithsonian Folklife Festival Artists
These artists have been selected to represent their countries at the world's leading folklife festival in recognition of their outstanding contribution to and mastery of their chosen art form.
Sisters Azatuhi and Anna specialize in hand-painted batik scarves, using floral and fruit motifs, like tulips and pomegranates. Their shop, Sunny Art, is based in Yeghegnadzor, Armenia.
Tsolak is a fourth-generation silversmith in Gyumri, Armenia. He uses century-old tools and molds inherited from his grandfather to create bracelets, belts, rings, and earrings.
A participant at the 2018 Folklife Festival, Armen has spent his life creating wooden crafts, using custom-made whittling tools, often found in a traditional Armenian home.
In 2014, Ocean Sole brought its lively eight-foot-tall giraffe to the Folklife Festival’s Kenya program. Its artisans transform flip-flop waste from the shores of Kenya into vibrant works of art.
Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco
From Peru
traditional handwoven Andean apparel and decor
Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez represented the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco at the 2015 Folklife Festival. An expert weaver, she preserves traditional Andean textiles and supports several weaving communities in Peru.
This nonprofit organization based in Jalisco, Mexico, supports the endangered Wixárika (Huichol) tribe through language education, ethnographic documentation, and traditional craft production.
“Embroidering” silver and gold filigree threads, Eda creates beautiful jewelry and accessories for Peruvian Marinera dancers. Her fine metalwork mesmerized visitors at the 2015 Folklife Festival.
For sisters Katya and Blanca, mate burilado (carved gourds) are a way to preserve local customs in the Andes and stories of their family. They presented this intricate Peruvian artform at the 2015 Folklife Festival.
Featured at the 2018 Folklife Festival and the National Museum of the American Indian, Porfirio has dedicated his life to revitalizing traditional Zapotec dye techniques through masterful and innovative textiles.
Isabelle’s work is inspired by historical motifs, seen in tiles around her birthplace of Puebla, Mexico, while also playing with influences from other traditions, including Moroccan or Chinese designs.
José Francisco Borges depicts scenes of Brazil’s natural world and cultural traditions in whimsical woodblock prints. Born in Pernambuco, he made a living selling prints and cordel leaflets.
The son of artist J. Borges, Ivan continues the family tradition of woodblock printing scenes of everyday life in Brazil, from fishermen at work to town dances and young lovers.
Folklife Festival featured artisans from the Pataxó community from Bahia, Brazil make crafts from native trees. They carve, design, and build wooden bowls, animal sculptures, and instruments collectively as a community practice.
Tohõ Pataxó is a painter, teacher, and leader in the Pataxó Indigenous community, living in the Pé do Monte Pataxo village in Bahia, Brazil. On canvas, he recreates traditional body painting in a bold color palette.
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PREVFeatured Reviews on Smithsonian Folklife Festival Artists
100% alpaca shoulder bag, 'Cool Valleys'
By Laura
Appropriate name!
This is much roomier than the small shoulder bags, and can hold a wallet and papers as needed. Same soft feel and beautiful colors. A work of art.
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100% alpaca shoulder bag, 'Inca Sunrise'
By Laura
Aptly named, beautifully finished
This or others in this series (as I appreciate the colors and feel so much) are a comfortable, constant companion. I wear it cross-body.
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'The Birds III'
By Entropy
Vibrant print
As an aspiring artist I dont often purchase other peoples art,I dont usually have the budget however when I saw this print by J. Borges I made an exception. His work is dynamic and I feel very strongly in supporting artists from other parts of the world. I feel it is an investment in the artist and an investment that will give me smiles every time I see it on my studio wall. Hopefully it will also possibly appreciate in value as well,though my main reason for purchasing this was bc I really enjoy the design. I love that when I am able to save up, I can come here to Novica and find lovely things that give back to the wonderful crafts people who work so hard to earn their living. We get something wonderful knowing that the people who made these objects are engaged in fair trade. Win win : )
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