Hand-carved canes are a part of America's culture and art, speaking to our rich national heritage and capacity for self-expression. As vehicles of personal communication and group identity, American folk art canes display images ranging from King Kong to depression-era bathing beauties, from boxer "Gentleman Jim" Corbett to an anonymous shoemaker, and from Civil War soldiers to Dolly Parton. Symbols of fraternal and military organizations also occupy the miniature world on the cane, as do representations of nature, from snakes swallowing frogs to bee-filled gardens. American Folk Art Canes: Personal Sculpture is the first comprehensive, scholarly book focusing on American folk canes and will be a foundation for future research in the field. Reproduced in full color, more than three hundred canes dating from the early nineteenth century to today disclose the complex cultural meanings, obscure individual histories, and light-hearted social commentaries of folk art walking sticks. Detailed, comparative, and historical photographs show the diverse styles, techniques, and themes used by the generations of American carvers who have mastered this expressive and utilitarian art form. Each illustration eloquently demonstrates the carvers' artistry in transforming a simple functional object into a work of art. The introduction and eight original essays by noted scholars examine the methods of dating canes, their sculptural and symbolic qualities, and the aesthetic character and history of Native American, African-American, Civil War, fraternal, and contemporary canes. Details of the canes' imagery, origins, and composition are given in an extensive documentation section. Color plates of relatedfolk art carvings, a selected bibliography, and a thorough index supplement the book.

"Written by 92 specialists in association with the American Folk Art Museum, the 600 cross-referenced and indexed articles, with bibliographies, included in this selection are the first comprehensive treatment of this influential art form. It includes information on bottle-cap art, canes, carousel art, scrimshaw, quilts, beadwork, and many other genres, as well as information on several visionary artists who still practice their crafts. This work has special appeal for folklorists."--"The Top 20 Reference Titles of the Year," American Libraries, May 2004.

For a full list of entries, contributors, and more, visit the Encyclopedia of American Folk Art web site. This is the first comprehensive, scholarly study of a most fascinating aspect of American history and culture. Generously illustrated with both black and white and full-color photos, this A-Z encyclopedia covers every aspect of American folk art, encompassing not only painting, but also sculpture, basketry, ceramics, quilts, furniture, toys, beadwork, and more, including both famous and lesser-known genres. Containing more than 600 articles, this unique reference considers individual artists, schools, artistic, ethnic, and religious traditions, and heroes who have inspired folk art. An incomparable resource for general readers, students, and specialists, it will become essential for anyone researching American art, culture, and social history.

Chronicling American cane-making from 1607 through 1953, this beautifully illustrated book features canes in the context of American history. An ambitious and scholarly volume that includes over 900 images, this book features many of the canes shown at the celebrated cane exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York in the mid-1980s. Written by a cane collector and walking-stick expert whose private collection was estimated to be around 1,300 canes and whose enthusiasm inspired museums and wealthy private collectors to invest in the field, this book displays decades of work and dedication to the craft. Presented are canes used by past political figures, canes made of glass, and canes carved by soldiers from the American Revolution to World War II.

The tradition of African-American Folk Art is vast and diverse. With roots that extend overseas, these traditions now flourish and continue to bloom into the twenty-first century. In Contemporary African-American Folk Art, trace the development of such mediums as wood carving, pottery, quilt making and painting. Learn the significance of slave Henry Gudgell, whose artistic mastery is still hailed as some of the best surviving examples of African-American wood carving. See how random scraps of cloth from 'the big house' transform into geometric wonders such as 'The Wedding Ring' and 'The Triangle.' Just two of America's favorite quilt patterns, they are often still showcased today at Southern quilting bees. Complete with informative text and seven vibrant prints, this issue includes biographical summaries of major contributors to the field of African-American Folk Art.

For a full list of entries, contributors, and more, visit the Encyclopedia of American Folk Art web site. This is the first comprehensive, scholarly study of a most fascinating aspect of American history and culture. Generously illustrated with both black and white and full-color photos, this A-Z encyclopedia covers every aspect of American folk art, encompassing not only painting, but also sculpture, basketry, ceramics, quilts, furniture, toys, beadwork, and more, including both famous and lesser-known genres. Containing more than 600 articles, this unique reference considers individual artists, schools, artistic, ethnic, and religious traditions, and heroes who have inspired folk art. An incomparable resource for general readers, students, and specialists, it will become essential for anyone researching American art, culture, and social history.

Drawing on the natural folk art tendencies of children, who love to collect buttons, bottle caps, shells, and Popsicle sticks to create beautiful, imperfect art, this activity guide teaches kids about the history of this organic art and offers inspiration for them to create their own masterpieces. The full breadth of American folk art is surveyed, including painting, sculpture, decorative arts, and textiles from the 17th century through today. Making bubblegum wrapper chains, rag dolls, bottle cap sculptures, decoupage boxes, and folk paintings are just a few of the activities designed to bring out the artist in every child. Along the way kids learn about the lives of Americans throughout history and their casual relationships to everyday art as they cut stencils, sew needlepoint samplers, draw calligraphy birds, and design quilts. Important folk artists such as the last surviving Shakers, the legendary Grandma Moses, and the Reverend Howard Finster are also explored in sidebars throughout the book.