Bringing Culture to Communities: Folk Art Workshops at Local Libraries Inspire and Connect

Erie Arts & Culture received a generous grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency, to present 49 folk art workshops at libraries this summer. Fourteen different artists worked in 25 different libraries across Warren, Lawrence, Mercer, Crawford, Venango, and Erie Counties. EAC Folklorist in residence, Kelly Armor, explains, “This was fabulous for our region’s tradition bearers. Some got to hone their skills in sharing their artform. Others who were already gifted teachers got to visit new communities.”  Edward Kranz, book maker, reported, “I had a great time. The attendees had a wonderful experience as well. I appreciate your inclusion of my craft in your programming!” Allen Brown, Native American flute player stated,  “It was a very friendly and respectful exchange.  I would very much like to go back again.”

Ansumana measures a participant to make a West-African style shirt at his workshop at Stey Nevant Library.

This project has been a boon for libraries. “Please schedule more events like this, it is exactly what we are looking for,” said Lori Daytner of the New Castle Public Library. This library hosted a West African Clothing Design Workshop with Ansumana Komba Gbembo of Erie and local sewers and quilters found his approach fascinating. This workshop furthered their goal to foster community through diverse programming and strong local partnerships. The Greenville Area Public Library hosted a world music series for kids, bringing in Clarisse Amani, David Kambowa, and Nibal Abd El Karim, all New American musicians living in Erie. Ruth Young from the Margaret Shontz Library in Crawford County stated,  “This program provided a wonderful opportunity for people to engage in cultural experiences that they might not otherwise have been able to experience. There were so many new understandings of centuries old practices. Everyone who attended these workshops came away with a sense of having learned something new. There were many "aha" moments, especially when colors came to life on colored eggs in Carol Novosel's Ukrainian Eggs workshop.” 

Participants create Pysanky by drawing wax on and dyeing eggs at Carol’s workshop at the Oil City Library.

Library patrons were excited to see the artists in action. “All who came to Mitch Littler’s harmonica workshop had an excellent time. I've heard from several in the week or so since that they are using their harmonica, sharing with their family, and still very excited about it!” said Beverly Leonhardt, Director of the Sugar Grove Free Library. “I think that this stuff is breathing life into Titusville,” said Kate, a participant at Merjema Garic’s Arabic Calligraphy workshop. She expressed how the arts keep cultural vitality alive, even after major industries move away. 

The grant has also brought Erie Arts & Culture two summer interns, Violet Vance and Rachel Maly. “This project relied on their hard work,” EAC Folklorist Kelly Armor added. “They worked with libraries and artists to schedule all the workshops and attended most of them.” 

“It has been amazing working with artists from so many different backgrounds and helping them reach so many different communities,” said Rachel Maly. “It has been also incredible to see how vital libraries are to their patrons. Many libraries serve as both information and culture hubs, acting as a community gathering place.”

“The most gratifying part of this job, to me,” said Violet, “is the opportunity to work with the New American artists. I’ve always wondered what it’s like to move to this country having no prior connection to our culture. Hearing their stories first hand is  the closest I’ve gotten to seeing what it’s really like. This grant has been incredible. It teaches and preserves both new and old American cultural traditions.”

Clarisse shows a girl how to use fabric to tie a stuffed animal to her back, the same way women carry babies on their back in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

 This project is made possible in part by federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries